Reentry isn’t always rocket science. For recently paroled individuals, it means reentering society.

These individuals — who might leave prison without a home, a car, or a job — may feel as though they need an advanced degree just to navigate the complicated galaxy of agencies they encounter as they reenter civilian life.

To help professionals working in those and related agencies, as well as the public, understand the challenges those released from prison face as they try to reintegrate, West Chester University will host a free Reentry Simulation on Tuesday, Sept. 24, from 9:00 AM-12:00 PM in Sykes Student Union Ballrooms, 110 West Rosedale Avenue, West Chester. The exercise represents the first month in the life of someone returning home after incarceration.

The goal of the Reentry Simulation Initiative is to encourage people to think deeply about the American criminal justice system, to change perceptions about people impacted by the criminal justice system, and to deepen empathy. The program is organized by the Chester County Reentry Coalition, in collaboration with the University and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania (USAO-EDPA). Various departments from within Chester County government will be part of the program, plus 17 other agencies and non-profit organizations.

The simulation aims to shed light on the challenges faced by individuals reentering society after incarceration and deepen community understanding of the reentry process by asking participants to walk in the shoes of an individual who has recently returned home from prison.

Participants will be given a “wallet” detailing their life circumstances and a “life card” containing weekly tasks they must complete to fulfill their requirements, navigate their return home, and make their reentry successful. A one-hour segment of the simulation is divided into 15-minute “weeks” in which the participants must complete certain tasks. They go to a series of stations representing the various agencies and organizations a returning citizen must interact with, such as the DMV, probation office, employer, and social services. Mirroring the stress of real-life experiences, a participant might miss an appointment with their parole officer while in line at the DMV.

A panel discussion about the criminal justice system and the complexities of reentry will follow the activity. People with lived experiences with incarceration will be part of the program.

One of the participants who will walk in a parolee’s shoes is Tara Easterling, a 2021 graduate of WCU’s Criminal Justice program who is pursuing her master’s in criminal justice at WCU while working as an administrative professional in the University’s political science department.

“I see this as a valuable opportunity to engage with and better understand the challenges individuals face upon their release from incarceration,” she said. “Reintegration into their communities is a complex process, often shaped by a range of obstacles and circumstances. I recognize the critical role of family and community support in reducing recidivism, and I look forward to gaining new insights through this innovative simulation, which aims to challenge stigma, bias, and cultural stereotypes often perpetuated by the media. … The ultimate goal is to provide individuals with a genuine chance at success.”

Easterling says she was drawn to participate in the simulation because it reminded her of a course she took while completing her undergraduate degree, the Inside Out Program, which she says “provided an invaluable experience that fostered open-mindedness and collaboration, and it remains one of the most meaningful aspects of my undergraduate education.” Held in conjunction with many universities, the Inside Out Program brings college students into a correctional setting to work alongside incarcerated individuals on restorative justice issues.

The simulation is free. Lunch and other refreshments will be provided.

For additional information, contact Dr. Michele Bratina at mbratina@wcupa.edu or Michelle Bjork at mbjork@chesco.org or 610-344-6820.

Learn more at WCU. Enrolling more than 17,000 students, West Chester University is the largest institution in the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education. Founded in 1871, the University is a comprehensive public institution, offering a diverse range of more than 200 undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral programs in more than 50 fields of study. In addition to the main campus in West Chester, the University offers programs through its graduate center, the campus in Philadelphia, and online.