The primary objective of the Summit of Hope and the Summit of Health events is to enhance public safety by reducing recidivism rates. These events serve as community expos, showcasing a wide range of services and support aimed at encouraging and equipping individuals reintegrating into society with the necessary tools to lead crime-free and responsible lives. The Summit of Hope specifically caters to local parolees in each community and operates on an invitation-only basis. Its purpose is to unite the community, consolidate available resources, and create a centralized environment where parolees can access the essential assistance required to overcome barriers hindering their success.
The Summit of Hope is a community expo that convenes service providers with the goal of delivering crucial services and resources to ex-offenders. Its mission is to guide and support ex-offenders by connecting them with community services, thereby facilitating their successful reintegration while simultaneously reducing the likelihood of reoffending. This approach not only optimizes time efficiency in reaching a high-risk population but also adds value by addressing the diverse needs of individuals who have recently been released. These individuals are actively striving to become productive members of their communities, and the available services often determine the difference between success and failure.
Each participant is paired with a volunteer who assists them in navigating the array of services and exhibits. The services offered include obtaining state identification, counseling, transportation, access to food and clothing, shelter assistance, child support services, referrals for primary healthcare, screening for blood pressure, vision testing, HIV testing and care, veterans' information, Social Security Administration guidance, employment services, mock interviews, education and training opportunities, and various other social service agencies. Numerous faith-based organizations also extend their support to help this group regain stability and maintain it.
Both local state parole and federal parole authorities extend invitations to individuals under their supervision to attend these events. Reaching out to this group not only eliminates obstacles but also expedites each individual's chances of becoming a positive member of their community.
By the end of the event, participants should be equipped with a wealth of resources, referrals, and materials that will set them on the path to a successful life. The inspiration for the Summit of Hope and Health's mission statement came from one of the parolees who expressed in their evaluation, "Please continue to provide hope to those of us who have lost it."
The Summit of Hope is a community expo that convenes service providers with the goal of delivering crucial services and resources to ex-offenders. Its mission is to guide and support ex-offenders by connecting them with community services, thereby facilitating their successful reintegration while simultaneously reducing the likelihood of reoffending. This approach not only optimizes time efficiency in reaching a high-risk population but also adds value by addressing the diverse needs of individuals who have recently been released. These individuals are actively striving to become productive members of their communities, and the available services often determine the difference between success and failure.
Each participant is paired with a volunteer who assists them in navigating the array of services and exhibits. The services offered include obtaining state identification, counseling, transportation, access to food and clothing, shelter assistance, child support services, referrals for primary healthcare, screening for blood pressure, vision testing, HIV testing and care, veterans' information, Social Security Administration guidance, employment services, mock interviews, education and training opportunities, and various other social service agencies. Numerous faith-based organizations also extend their support to help this group regain stability and maintain it.
Both local state parole and federal parole authorities extend invitations to individuals under their supervision to attend these events. Reaching out to this group not only eliminates obstacles but also expedites each individual's chances of becoming a positive member of their community.
By the end of the event, participants should be equipped with a wealth of resources, referrals, and materials that will set them on the path to a successful life. The inspiration for the Summit of Hope and Health's mission statement came from one of the parolees who expressed in their evaluation, "Please continue to provide hope to those of us who have lost it."