Edison Sound Stage Episode 8: Preparing Individuals for Successful Re-entry into the Workforce After Incarceration

Note: The Fresh Start @ Your Library program discussed in this podcast episode is no longer active. While the insights and approaches shared by these dedicated professionals remain valuable for understanding reentry support services, readers and listeners should be aware that this specific program is no longer available to serve returning citizens in New Jersey libraries.

In the eighth episode of TESU's Edison Sound Stage Podcast, watch or listen below as moderator Ann Prime-Monaghan, associate dean of the John S. Watson School for Public Service, interviews trailblazers from the New Jersey State Library to discuss Fresh Start @ Your Library, a program that aims to prepare individuals for successful re-entry into the workforce after incarceration.

Prime-Monaghan is joined by Program Director Peggy Cadigan, Deputy State Librarian for Innovation & Strategic Partnerships at the New Jersey State Library and J. Jondhi Harrell, program manager for Fresh Start. Also, Sarah Swiderski, a social worker for Fresh Start, provides individual assessments for returning citizens and referrals to appropriate agencies that best meet their needs along with Fresh Start social worker, Nicole Warren. In her role, Warren provides direct services to returning citizens in public libraries.