2nd Annual Reentry Conference
Date: Wednesday, April 17, 2024
Time: 8 am - 3 pm
Location: UC Riverside HUB 302
The 2nd annual Supporting Successful Reentry Conference is a collaboration between University of California, Riverside, Riverside City College, and California State University, San Bernardino. It is the aim of the conference to shine a light on the multifaceted challenges faced by justice-impacted and system-impacted individuals as they reintegrate into communities throughout the Inland Empire region. Our goal is to raise awareness about these complex barriers while highlighting the educational opportunities and resources available to support their success and development. This one-day conference will feature leaders across the various systems of higher education, community-based organizations, and those with carceral experiences themselves. Conference attendees will have the opportunity to engage with leaders in the field, learn about data specific to the Inland Empire, as well as partake in conversations centered around reducing barriers for justice-impacted individuals. By coming together, we aim to foster a compassionate and supportive environment that nurtures growth and reduces recidivism in the Inland Empire. Through sharing knowledge, building connections, and advocating for change, we can work towards a more inclusive and equitable future for all.
Featuring
Keynote Speaker: David Penny
David Penny has extensive experience engaging with incarcerated and previously incarcerated
individuals who have chosen education as their pathway to reentry. Having been incarcerated
himself, David is intimately familiar with the challenges and opportunities that come
with pursuing education post-release. He is set to graduate this semester from Cal
State San Bernardino with a bachelor’s degree in Sociology and will commence his master's
program in the upcoming fall. Drawing from his own journey of change through education,
Mr. Penny recognizes the important role education plays in successful reentry.
Keynote Speaker: Sergeant Major Gregory R. Coker
In 2013, after dedicating 26 honorable years to the United States Army and Army Reserve,
Sergeant Major Greg Coker embarked on a new mission. He founded the Reaching New Heights
Foundation Incorporated as he transitioned to a purposeful civilian life. The core
mission of the Reaching New Heights Foundation, Inc. emerged as 'serving those who
served.' Greg envisions the foundation's success through the positive transformation
of veterans' lives and the enrichment of communities. Born and raised in central Ohio,
Greg earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Technology from Central State
University. He later obtained a Master of Arts degree in Leadership Studies from the
University of Texas at El Paso. He also holds a second Master of Science degree in
Rehabilitation Counseling from California State University, San Bernardino.
Morning Address: Rethinking Reentry
Moderated by Professor Dylan Rodriguez, Ph.D., the opening panel discussion focuses
on the normalized forms of (state) violence that characterize the reentry process. How do people going through reentry continue to experience the violence of incarceration,
policing, and discrimination despite having “served their time” and “paid their debt
to society?” How can reflections on the lived experiences of incarceration and reentry
contribute to a shared critical analysis of these systems and institutions? What lessons
about the shape-shifting nature of state violence can be learned from the recent history
of abolitionist and liberationist movements? Conducted as a collective conversation
for the purpose of sparking collective movement, panelists will outline some of the
inherent limitations and constraints with reentry systems. We encourage conference
participants to integrate key points from this conversation into the rest of the conference
and beyond, emphasizing their role in addressing the various forms of violence prevalent
in the reentry process.
CONFERENCE AGENDA:
Conference Registration and Breakfast – 8 - 9 am – HUB 302
Welcome – 9 am – HUB 302
Estela A. Gavosto, Ph.D.
Associate Vice Chancellor for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
University of California, Riverside
General Session – 9:10 - 9:50am – HUB 302
Dylan Rodriguez, Ph.D.
Professor and Co-Director of the Center for Ideas and Society
University of California, Riverside
Breakout Sessions – 10 - 10:50am
Break – 10:50 - 11 am
Breakout Sessions – 11 - 11:50am
Lunch and Carceral-impacted Student Perspectives – 11:50 am - 1:20 pm – HUB 302
Keynote Speakers – 1:30 - 2:20 pm – HUB 302
Sergeant Major Gregory Coker
Founder, Reaching New Heights Foundation, Inc.
David Penny
California State University, San Bernardino
BREAKOUT SESSION DESCRIPTIONS
Breakout Sessions – 10 - 10:50 am
“The Things You Name Have Power”: Reshaping Your Story and Breaking Stereotypes – HUB 268
Presenter: Monica Perales
In college, I had to present something precious to class. I brought a jewelry box
made from bags of chips and dental floss. My brother made it in prison, but should
I say that? Why did I bring something so complicated to explain? The system-impacted
student experience is complicated. How we got to college, our journey on campus, and
defending our right to be here is complicated. But there is power in our story. People
craft their own stories when they see us with our hoop earrings, big dogs, and plaid
jackets. We navigate life through these stories about us, but what if we challenge
them? How can we break through the stereotypes? Join us to discuss the power of storytelling
and how to challenge the stereotypes that try so hard to define us.
Felony Expungement: Analyzing the Quagmire of an Obstructed System – HUB 302
Presenter: Elizabeth Tuzer
California Senate Bill 731 (2022) amended the California Penal Code to expand eligibility
for expungement of felony convictions, including violent and serious crimes through
Judicial Discretion, meaning, the judge must decide if the evidence shows that the
petitioner has demonstrated a track record of rehabilitation. In an obstacle-ridden
system, expunging a Felony conviction has made the fractures in our system glaringly
obvious. After nearly a year of implementation, we have seen that the reparative process
has posed some serious issues for participants, Judges, Attorneys, and Legal Programs
alike. We aim to address these barriers that exist in the system, to create awareness
and overcome those obstacles, thus lowering the barrier of entry for individuals that
may seek, and desperately need this remedy in order to live a meaningful life.
Inland Counties Legal Services: How ICLS can support your success in reentry and serves
the Inland Empire's Civil Legal Aid needs – HUB 269
Presenter: Veronica Garcia
In our workshop we will showcase a variety of ICLS' supplementary reentry programs.
Our approach illustrates a comprehensive legal aid strategy tailored to the distinctive
requirements of reentry individuals and low-income populations. Beyond serving, we
aim to uplift and foster awareness among those impacted by the system. Our presentation
highlights the multifaceted nature of our wraparound services, emphasizing community
empowerment and support. We demonstrate how our initiatives not only address immediate
legal needs but also contribute to broader societal upliftment. Through this workshop,
we aim to underscore the importance of holistic support frameworks in facilitating
successful reintegration and advocating for marginalized communities.
Breakout Sessions – 11 - 11:50 am
Dismantling Stigma, Building Bridges: The Power of Relationship and Shared Narratives
– HUB 269
Presenter: David Penny
Our panel will center around research led by David Penny, a senior sociology major
at Cal State San Bernardino (CSUSB), and Professor Dr. Annika Anderson (CSUSB). Their
research on ‘Campus Climate’ focuses on the perceptions of formerly incarcerated students
at their campus. This study is the first to encompass the entire college community,
including faculty, staff, and students. Drawing on their research assessing perceptions
of Project Rebound Scholars at the CSUSB, the panel will feature three formerly incarcerated
students and their paired nonincarcerated student allies, sharing their journeys and
the transformative power of connection. Through moderated discussion and audience
interaction, we'll explore dismantling stereotypes and promoting second chances, aligning
with social justice goals.
Inclusion and Diversity: The Imperative Role of the Black and Brown Convict Criminologists
in Strengthening our communities, Community Leaders mentors and assisting in reforming
the Criminal justice System – HUB 355
Presenter: Eric Tafoya
Highlights the critical contribution of Black and Brown convict criminologists in
fostering inclusivity, diversity, and equity within the criminal justice system and
in the communities they were raised in. These individuals bring unique perspectives
rooted in personal experiences, which are essential for understanding and addressing
systemic issues such as racial bias and discrimination. As community mentors, they
play a vital role in guiding and empowering marginalized individuals, offering support
and resources. Moreover, their insights are instrumental in driving meaningful reform
efforts aimed at creating a more just and equitable society. By amplifying their voices
and expertise, we can foster positive change and create a criminal justice system
that truly serves all members of society.
Reentry and Intimate Relationships – HUB 268
Presenter: Darlene Burke
This session will explore the importance of the Reentry community and the relationships
with their Intimate Partners. The topics that will be discussed are: how relationships
change after incarceration; how to balance work, family and self-care; how to resolve
conflicts in a relationship; how to be an asset in your relationship and not a liability.
We will discuss how a healthy couple becomes a healthy family that parlays into a
productive and SAFER community. Ten Toes In provides monthly support groups for formerly
incarcerated men and their romantic partners. Our members are connected to a Family
and Marriage Therapist. Ten Toes In also teaches our Curriculum inside of mens' prisons
throughout the state of California. We provide a Case Management Program for formerly
incarcerated men.
Navigating Intersectional Challenges of Formerly Incarcerated LGBTQIA2+ Individuals
and Reentry – HUB 302
Presenter: Ismael Davila
Join us for a thought-provoking workshop that sheds light on the unique challenges
faced by formerly incarcerated LGBTQ+ individuals during their time in prison and
throughout the reentry process. Through personal narratives, interactive discussions,
and shared experiences, participants will gain valuable insights into the intersectionality
of LGBTQIA2+ identities and incarceration. We will explore the systemic barriers,
discrimination, and hardships encountered by this marginalized population, as well
as highlight strategies for building inclusive support systems and promoting successful
reintegration into society. This workshop aims to foster understanding, empathy, and
actionable steps toward creating more equitable and affirming environments for all
individuals impacted by the carceral system.
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Sponsored by:
- CSUSB Project Rebound
- RCC Rising Scholars
- UC Riverside Underground Scholars