Vets Released From Jail Deserve A Hand Up; Newark Event May Help

Newark NJ

12 August, 2021

3:51 PM

Description

NEWARK, NJ — When a U.S. military veteran is released from prison, a friendly hand up can make all the difference, a New Jersey nonprofit says. On Thursday, the New Jersey Reentry Corporation (NJRC) announced the launch of its "Veterans Justice Outreach Initiative." The campaign will help veterans being released from state prison, county jail or addiction treatment centers connect with vital social services – regardless of their discharge status. The campaign will also work with veterans who haven't gone to jail, but who may be involved with the criminal justice system, organizers said. According to the NJRC, finding medical and behavioral care for veterans is often the first step to empowerment. And that includes help for those who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The NJRC says: "Traumatic experiences and post-traumatic stress disorder have historically been linked with criminal justice involvement … Among veterans in prison, 58% of men and 38% of women have served in the combat zone. Exposure to more traumatic events during military service and PTSD were linked with a higher risk of violent offending among veterans. It should be noted that PTSD symptoms have been linked with interpersonal violence and other court involvement among veterans." To kick off the effort, the NJRC will hold a "Job and Social Service Fair" at 51 Park Place in Newark. The event will take place from noon to 3 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 13. According to organizers, it will include: Veterans Organizations - Bob Looby, Veterans Service Council, State of New Jersey; New Jersey Veterans Network President Michael Boll; Vice President, Sansone Auto Group Rich Liebler; representatives from the American Legion, New Hope Village for Veterans, VFW, Marine Corps LeagueSocial Services - Visiting Homemaker Service, Hope Social Services, Sunrise Lab, Hope Social Services, Hoy Health, Kean University Veterans Student Services, Middlesex County Veterans Diversion ProgramEmployment Opportunities - Wonder, FedEx Ground, LAZ Parking, Recruits1, People Ready, Heir Hair RX, Wakefern, New Jersey Resources, UPS, ShopRite Send local news tips and correction requests to [email protected] Sign up for Patch email newsletters. Learn more about posting announcements or events to your local Patch site. Don't forget to visit the Patch Newark Facebook page.