Re-Entry

Community Connections

 

Re-Entry: An Insider's Guide - Advice for coming home to Alachua County by and for formerly incarcerated people

 

UF Mobile Outreach Clinic,  A highly flexible means of delivering health care to the medically under-served in low income neighborhoods and rural areas in and around Alachua County. Please call the office and speak with the nurse at (352) 273-5329 before coming to clinic.

Gainesville Community Ministry, Free medical advice/referral clinic and physical therapy clinic are available for anyone without insurance; first come first serve. Also assist with food pantry, utility and rental deposit assistance. (352) 372-8162

Alachua County Crisis Center, 24 hr/day crisis and suicide intervention phone counseling to all residents of Alachua County. (352) 264-6789 (crisis line), (352) 264-6785 (info. about services)

Partnership for Strong Families (Resource Centers), See specific services & resources for each Center (left side of their page).

Criminal Record Online Toolkit - Understand your record, fix your record, and learn about your legal rights. A project of the Criminal Justice & Employment Initiative at Cornell University.

Apply for Restoration of Civil Rights - Regain your right to vote!

Register to vote after your civil rights have been restored. Other options include registering at your local library or Supervisor of Elections Office. 

 

Education

 

Alachua County Library District (ACLD),

• Headquarters Reference Desk, (352) 334-3940, ASRef@aclib.us
• ACLD Literacy Program, (352) 334-3929, Reading, writing, and math help for adult learners and English language learners, literacy@aclib.us   
• ​​Library books & DVDs on incarceration and Re-Entry

Alachua County Public Schools - Adult Education & GED, (352) 955-7035

Gainesville Community Ministry, (352) 372-8162, GED and Work Path Program

Santa Fe College, (352) 395-5000   

• Adult Education, (352) 395-5760 (NW Campus), (352) 395-4496 (Downtown Campus)
• Certificate Programs, (352) 271-2900  (Select 'Degree Type' and 'Certificate' on the left-side menu.)
• Displaced Homemaker Program, (352) 395-5047, dhp@sfcollege.edu  

Job Search & Skills

Job Skills (ACLD)

Job Club - Wednesdays, 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m., Headquarters Library -Resume building, job search/application assistance, basic computer help, assistance creating an email address, career exploration, brush up on soft skills, interview preparation & practice. 

Fair Chance Employers, (Certified by Torchlighters)

Career Source/North Central Florida, (352) 955-2245

Essential Skills for Workplace Success (videos) Hosted by UF Community Engagement.

Florida Department of Corrections, Karen Black, Employment Specialist, (352) 224-8731, Karen.Black@fdc.myflorida.com

Gainesville Chamber of Commerce Professional Development Videos

Gainesville Community Ministry Work Path Program, (352) 372-8162

Gainesville Housing Authority Job Training & Entrepreneurial Program, (352) 872-5500 ext. 7103

Starting a Small Business

 

Alachua County Economic Development, (352) 374-5204

City Of Gainesville Economic Development and Innovation, (352) 393-8614

Florida Small Business Resource Guide

Gainesville Housing Authority Job Training & Entrepreneurial Program, (352) 872-5500 ext. 7103

Gator Community Entrepreneurship Initiative: Gator Bootcamp

2025 Re-Entry Partnership Conference

Monday, April 28th and Tuesday, April 29th, Santa Fe College Blount Center

A two-day conference to help community members facing obstacles to employment gain the skills and resources needed to obtain and maintain employment. 

Register Here 
 

Monday, April 28th 

Santa Fe College Blount Center 

9:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.    Registration and refreshments

10:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.    Programming

• Participate in breakout sessions covering: employment and education, housing as well as personal wellbeing. Resources will be also available for those who have served in the US military. 

Day 1: Breakout Sessions and Speakers

Topic	Location
Housing and Stability: Tracey Brown, Housing Manager, Grace Marketplace Jeff Gruver, Changes Maria Johnson, Intake Specialist, Gainesville Housing Authority Marissa Latimer, Florida Legal Services Jeff Siegel, Re-Entry Coordinator, Oxford House	106
Personal Wellbeing: Tim Bryant, One Love Prison Meditation Project Jakacia Phipps, Released Reentry Emily Westerholm, Founder and ED, Released Re-Entry Program	108
Employment and Education: Karen Black, Probation and Parole, Department of Corrections Tonda Hawkins, HireQuest Direct Shelby Mikkelson, Freedom to Learn, Santa Fe College  Resa Morris, North Central Florida CareerSource	107
Veteran Affairs: Eligibility and Resource James Schindler, VA Dwayne McBride, VA Brenda Stewart, Meridian SSVF Marissa Latimer, Florida Legal Services	109

Housing and Stability

Tracey Brown, Housing Manager, Grace Marketplace

Image

Tracey Brown has been a dedicated member of the housing team at GRACE Marketplace since 2019. Throughout this time, he has found innovative ways to create housing opportunities for individuals with multiple barriers, which has allowed him to help move over 1,000 people into housing since joining the Housing Team. To accomplish this, Tracey has built and fostered relationships in the community with not only local landlords and property management companies, but various organizations as well. Tracey’s dedication to helping folks get off the street and into housing goes beyond GRACE Marketplace as well – he currently serves as a board member of the Neighborhood Housing and Development Corp (NHDC) and Released Reentry. When he’s not advocating for our neighbors experiencing homelessness, Tracey spends his time relaxing with his family, going to the beach, as well as playing and watching sports! 

Contact: tbrown@gracemarketplace.org 

 

Maria Johnson, Gainesville Housing Authority

Image

 Maria Johnson is the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Intake Specialist for the Gainesville Housing Authority. Johnson is a Mississippi native with shared experience to many justice impacted individuals; at age 13, Johnson found herself addicted to drugs and by 21 a functional addict with three kids and a husband. 

At the age of 30, Johnson was sentenced to four years in the Department of Corrections, where her life was completely transformed for the good. 

Now eight years sober, Johnson oversees the authority’s housing programs to ensure the authority remains in compliance and the greater community receives access to safe, quality, and affordable housing.

Contact: MariaJ@gnvha.org 

 

Marissa Latimer, Florida Legal Services

Image

Marissa Latimer is the Outreach Paralegal for Florida Legal Services’ Eviction Prevention Project, where she works closely with local organizations and community members to connect Alachua County renters with free legal assistance. Committed to equity and access, Marissa ensures that services reach renters across all linguistic and cultural backgrounds. She holds a degree in Criminology and Law from the University of Florida and is a former Fulbright Scholar, having taught English in rural Colombia

marissa.latimer@floridalegal.org

 

Jeff Siegel, Oxford House Re-Entry Coordinator

Image

Jeff Siegel battled alcoholism and substance use disorder for decades. He finally broke the cycle of incarceration, return to use and homelessness by seeking help in 2020. After treatment, Jeff moved into the 1^st Oxford House in Gainesville and began working a 12-step program of recovery. After 2 years as a member, Jeff was hired by Oxford House Inc as an Outreach Worker, opening multiple houses across the state. Today he works as a Reentry Coordinator helping our returning citizens find safe, comfortable housing and showing them that recovery is possible.

Contact: jeff.siegel@oxfordhouse.org

 

Personal Wellbeing

Tim Bryant, One Love Prison Meditation Project

Image

Tim Bryant has facilitated over a thousand meditation gatherings inside Florida Prisons over 20+ years. Meditation practice has a deep history among incarcerated people where they cultivate strength, comfort, and meaning in community.

 

 

 

Contact: tim@onelovepmp.org

 

Jakacia Phipps, Released Reentry

Image

Jakacia Phipps is a passionate mental health advocate who draws from both her personal journey and professional expertise to guide individuals toward healing and growth. Her professional journey is grounded in her own experiences overcoming challenges, which fuels her dedication to helping participants navigate their own paths to wellness. As Director of Participant Engagement, Jakacia blends her knowledge of counseling and coaching to develop strategies that address both immediate emotional needs and long-term personal development. In addition to her role, Jakacia is an aspiring speaker, eager to share her story and professional insights with broader audiences. In her free time, she loves “nature-things”, fashion shows, cooking, and attending community events.

Contact: jakacia@releasedreentry.org>

 

Emily Westerholm, Mental Health Therapist/Executive Director of Released

Image

Emily Westerholm has been dedicated to empowering individuals impacted by the criminal justice system for over two decades. Emily’s commitment was sparked by her brief encounter with incarceration and state supervision in 1997. Since her criminal justice exposure, her commitment has deepened through her academic and professional trajectory. Studying substance use disorders and mental health counseling led her to work in nine Virginia Department of Corrections facilities, four regional jails in Virginia, and Alachua County Jail in Gainesville, Florida.

Emily has worked in a substance abuse treatment center, community clinics, street outreach for substance use, and a crisis center. During her tenure, Emily has provided thousands of individuals with direct service and worked as an administrator, including but not limited to evidence-based programming to address substance use disorders, mental health & wellness, anger management, career & professional development, parenting, grief and loss, and community re-integration.

Currently, Emily serves as the executive director of Released reentry program, facilitating evidence-based groups and workshops. In addition, she works as a mental health therapist, specializing in trauma and substance use disorders. Emily holds her Master’s Degree in Mental Health Counseling and is a Registered Mental Health Counseling Intern in Florida. She is a member of the American Counseling Association and Society of Criminology-Critical Criminology & Social Justice Division. In 2019, Emily received the Local Champion Award from Virginia Commonwealth University for her work establishing the first regional Harm Reduction program. The Department of Health summary of her program evaluation stated, “This site is by far the most organized, welcoming, and productive site I have observed in five states. I was extremely impressed with the organization and flow of services. Participants were treated with exceptional respect and dignity, and it was obvious the staff is committed to this project.”

Contact: releasedreentry@gmail.com 

 

Employment and Education

Karen Black, Government Operations Consultant/Employment Specialist, Florida Department of Corrections 

Image

Karen is with Probation and Parole for Circuit 8, which includes Alachua and the five surrounding counties. Karen assists justice involved individuals in obtaining employment, education and training opportunities and other valuable community resources and social services. The goal is to reduce recidivism and create safer communities by providing wrap around and other supportive services to our population and their families. Karen has been with Probation and Parole since 2019 and has over 30 years of sworn law enforcement experience having served with the Starke Police Department and the Ocala Police Department, retiring as a lieutenant. Karen also served in state law enforcement as a Sworn Criminal Investigator in the Tampa area and as a Law Enforcement Inspector with the Office of Inspector General. Karen is an avid pet lover and enjoys reading, cycling, and snowmobiling.

Contact: karen.black@fdc.myflorida.com 

 

Tonda Hawkins, HireQuest Direct

Image

With over 20 years of management experience, Tonda is a seasoned professional dedicated to driving success and growth. For the past 3 years, she  has been an integral part of the team at HireQuest Direct, where she has consistently demonstrated her ability to lead and inspire those around her. Tonda is passionate about helping individuals achieve their full potential and thrive in their roles. Her strategic mindset and strong work ethic have allowed her to make a significant impact in all aspects of her Career. Tonda is committed to continuous learning and development, always seeking new ways to improve and excel in her field. 

Contact: thawkins@hirequestdirect.com

 

Shelby Mikkelson, Freedom to Learn Specialist, Santa Fe College

Image

Excited to support and empower others, Shelby Mikkelson is the Freedom to Learn Specialist, where she provides guidance and resources to students affected by the justice system. Her role allows her to advocate for those seeking education and personal growth, helping them break through barriers and realize their full potential. She is a dedicated scholar and advocate for justice-involved individuals.

 

Contact: shelby.mikkelson@sfcollege.edu

 

Resa Morris, CareerSource North Central Florida

                                                              

Veterans Affairs: Eligibility and Resources

 

 

 

Day 1: Resources

 

Alachua County Library District

Gainesville Housing Authority

League of Women Voters

Released Re-entry

Santa Fe College

Suwannee River AHEC

Veteran Affairs Services

 

Tuesday, April 29th

Santa Fe College Blount Center 

  9:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.   Registration and refreshments

10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.   Panel Discussion 1

11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.   Resource networking

 12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.    Panel Discussion 2

• Attend two panel discussions highlighting employment success stories as well as the voices of those with lived experience and connect with over a dozen wide-ranging local service providers. 

Day 2: Panel Discussion 1- Real Work, Real People

 

Marianne Vandongan, Human Resources Manager, Perry Roofing Contractors

Representative, Grace Marketplace

Kelly Lynch, Community Spring

Max Tipping, Community Spring

 

 

Day 2: Resources

 

Alachua County Library District Literacy Program

Alachua County Court Services

Alachua County Crisis Center

Alachua County Sheriff's Office

CareerSource of North Central Florida

Community Spring

Early Learning Coalition Alachua County

FDC Probation and Parole Office

Gainesville Housing Authority

Gainesville Opportunity Center

GRACE Marketplace

HIPPY Program

Holy Trinity Downtown Ministry

Human Rights Coalition

League of Women Voters

Oxford House

PSF-Network for Resource Centers

Released Reentry Program

Santa Fe College, Freedom to Learn

Suwannee River Area Health Education Center

Simply Healthcare Plans - FL Medicaid

Veteran Affairs Services

Day 2: Panel Discussion 2- Expert by Experience

 

Ronnie Biglow

Robert King

Jakacia Phipps

Shelley Seymour

Documents to Bring

 

• Community ID from the Human Rights Coalition of Alachua County
  • Requirements:

1. Photo Identification: valid or expired driver's license, national ID card, passport, prison or jail ID, military ID, school ID, etc.
2. Proof of Address: utility bill, bank statement, rental contract
3. Proof of Age: passport, birth certificate, **NOT a driver's license**

 

• Alachua County Library Card
  • Requirements:

1. Valid Photo Identification
2. Proof of Florida residency

Registration for this event has closed.

Have questions?

Contact Alachua County Library District at literacy@aclib.us or 352-334-3929, and Library Partnership Resource Center at 352-334-0160.

2025 Community Job and Resource Fair

Monday, May 19th, 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., Headquarters Library, Meeting Room A

Open to all job seekers. Meet with potential employers and representatives from community resource providers to access training, benefits, and more.

Job seekers, you do not have to attend the Re-Entry Partnership Conference to attend the Job and Resource Fair. 

Participating organizations

 

Alachua County

Alachua County Board of County Commissioners

Alachua County Library District

CareerSource North Central Florida

CARC- Advocates for Citizens with Disabilities, Inc.

City of Gainesville - RTS

Coca Cola Beverages Florida

Community Spring

Florida Department of Corrections, Probation and Parole

Florida Division of Vocation Rehabilitation

Florida Legal Services

GatorCNA

Goodwill Industries of North Florida

Labor Finders

New Worlds Reading/Books and Cooks

One Community Resource Center

Oxford House

Park Meadows Health and Rehab Center

PEDEGO

Release Reentry Program

Santa Fe College, Freedom to Learn

Southern Legal Counsel

Statewide Workforce Development

Suwannee River Area Health Education Center

UF Health Shands

VA Hospital 

Veterans Health System, NFSG VA Suicide Prevention Team

Waffle House

Your business is invited!

*For Businesses and Community Partners:

You are invited to the Community Job and Resource Fair! Participation is free and includes parking, six-foot table, chairs, and WiFi. 

Register to have a table at the Job Fair! Employer registration closes May 12th. 

Have questions?

Contact the Alachua County Library District at literacy@aclib.us or 352-334-3929, and the Library Partnership Resource Center at 352-334-0160