Returning to society after incarceration can be incredibly challenging, especially for individuals living in rural Virginia. Many faces significant obstacles including securing reliable transportation, safe housing, retaining employment and access to vital mental health and substance abuse treatment. These challenges can foster a sense of hopelessness, making it difficult for individuals to rebuild their lives.
LOC Family Services (LOCFS) is dedicated to empowering returning citizens in Planning District 14, which includes Amelia, Buckingham, Charlotte, Cumberland, Lunenburg, Nottoway, and Prince Edward counties. This committed community-based organization (CBO) provides essential support in several key areas. LOCFS helps individuals access substance abuse and mental health resources, obtain important documents like driver’s licenses, birth certificates, social security cards, housing support through referral, and enroll in workforce development programs. The organization’s goal is to help returning citizens obtain stability and become productive citizens in their communities and work with partners to create pathways to success in the growing fields of hospitality and renewable energy, equipping individuals with the tools they need to thrive.
Despite their successes, organizations like LOCFS often struggle to secure adequate funding to help with operating cost and expansion efforts and are under intense funding restrictions. Local governments and larger institutions frequently prioritize support for bigger organizations, leaving smaller CBOs, particularly those led by minority groups, without the necessary resources to operate effectively.
LOCFS has a proven track record, having facilitated over $1.2 million in federal grants for reentry services across its service area since 2018. Thriving through a pandemic, two government shut downs and now an opioid crisis without any Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans due to ineligibility since the organization continued to operate or American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds from local governments in the rural counties they serve although request were made. Key programs include:
Changing Lanes Project (2018-2021): Supported by the Department of Justice, this comprehensive program achieved zero recidivism among 49 of the enrolled total of 107 participants after one year of follow up.
National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation Hospitality Opportunities for People Empowerment (HOPE) Grant (2020-2023): This subaward from the Department of Labor provided hospitality training, credentialing, job placement assistance, and supportive services to 74 individuals aged 18-24 who have been involved with the justice system. The enrollment exceeded the performance measure requirement of enrolling at least 50 eligible individuals in the targeted rural areas.
FLIPP Inc. Accelerated Clean Energy Reentry Program (2023-Ongoing): In collaboration with FLIPP Inc. and funded by the Department of Labor Employment and Training Administration, LOCFS provides outreach, enrollment, and case management for a 3-week paid internship focused on renewable energy. As of July 2024, 28 participants completed their training with a remarkable attrition rate of zero, and 21 out of 28 passed the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners Photo Voltaic Associate exam on their first attempt. Six participants have successfully transitioned into jobs in the renewable energy sector within four months of completing the program.
Virginia Department of Health Rural Health Grant (2023-2024): As a subrecipient, LOCFS addressed healthcare disparities for 21 returning individuals in the rural health grant initiative.
LOC Family Services (LOCFS) has conducted an efficacy evaluation as part of our Behavioral Health contract with Piedmont Regional Jail. Out of the 71 individuals enrolled, 11 have experienced reincarceration since their release, resulting in a current recidivism rate of 15% which is defined as a rearrest rate within 1 year and 10 months period as of December 2024 and 55% of the 71 individuals enrolled reported having previous experience with substance misuse. While LOCFS Founder, President, and CEO, Shelley Mays-Couch who is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Certified Trauma Informed Trainer, Certified Sex Offender Treatment provider, and Neuro Linguistic Programming Practitioner predicts potential increase in this rate if direct services addressing physiological needs to those impacted by opioid misuse and other barriers is not increased within communities, it is vital to recognize that such growth can be mitigated or even reduced through appropriate funding for community-based organizations like LOCFS.
With a proven record of accomplishment of effectively serving the community, LOCFS dedication to developing strategic approaches that address the multifaceted needs of individuals with mental health concerns, substance use disorders (SUD), and other barriers to successful reintegration and recovery is reputable. LOCFS programming is in addition to other organizations that addresses intensive outpatient treatment for mental health and substance misuse treatment, Medical Assistance Treatment, and therapeutic counseling but LOCFS services ensures that their services provide an emphasis on empowerment, outreach, and increased awareness.
In LOCFS ongoing Behavioral Health Case Management Services contract at Piedmont Regional Jail where the Superintendent is Jerry Townsend, LOCFS have supported 71 individuals pre-release, facilitating their transitions back to society including discharge planning and housing referrals to treatment. The challenges faced by returning citizens are significant, including housing instability, substance misuse, unmet mental health needs, transportation barriers for follow-up appointments and complications with employment retention. The LOCFS team possesses a profound understanding of these challenges and is uniquely equipped to break the cycle of recidivism and opioid misuse-related crisis and overdoses by providing essential supportive services.
The financial implications of this approach are noteworthy. In Virginia, the annual cost to incarcerate an individual within a local jail or Regional Jail is approximately $27,060, while providing housing and supportive services post-release costs approximately $18,600. This highlights the potential for substantial savings for taxpayers while simultaneously improving the quality of life and safety for community members.
Local leaders and policymakers are urged to acknowledge the substantial role of community based organizations like LOCFS and distribute the necessary resources to sustain and enhance support for returning citizens who are seeking assistance with recovery and stability. Contributions, whether through donations or advocacy, can lead to significant positive changes. By aligning with LOCFS in our mission, individuals can empower those seeking a second chance and contribute to the strengthening of communities. Each donation has the potential to create a lasting impact on the lives of those striving to rebuild. With collective support, we can work towards a brighter future for everyone in our community. Your support is essential in driving meaningful change.
Visit locfamilyservices.com for more information.
Contact details
1. Company name: LOC Family Services
2. Website link: https://www.locfamilyservices.com/
3. Contact email: Info@locfamilyservices.com
4. Country: USA
5. City: Charlotte, Virginia
6. Contact person name: Shelley Mays-Couch
Disclaimer: The views, suggestions, and opinions expressed here are the sole responsibility of the experts. No journalist was involved in the writing and production of this article.
