On Wednesday, January 28, the New Jersey Department of Corrections (NJDOC) held a ceremonial signing to launch a vital new initiative designed to enhance and streamline reentry services for incarcerated veterans.
“This initiative honors our commitment to those who have served by ensuring they receive the community services necessary to reenter civilian life,” said Acting Commissioner Victoria L. Kuhn, Esq. “By partnering with NJRC and EHCA, we are providing veterans with a specialized pathway to success—combining legal advocacy, healthcare, and career support to break the cycle of recidivism and strengthen public safety.”
In a strategic partnership with the New Jersey Reentry Corporation (NJRC) and Education and Health Centers of America (EHCA), the NJDOC is establishing a “continuum of care” that begins during incarceration and follows veterans directly into the community. This collaborative framework is designed to bridge the often-difficult gap between release and stable reintegration by providing a comprehensive “wraparound” model. Key features of the program include immediate veteran status verification, direct enrollment in eligible state and federal benefits, and the seamless coordination of medical, mental health, and substance use treatment.
“Our commitment to supporting Garden State Veterans does not end at the courthouse steps,” said Vincent Solomeno, Acting Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Veterans Affairs. “Working together, we can ensure that veterans reenter their communities with a clear path to accessing benefits, programs, and services. Through deliberate and coordinated action, we are collectively working to reduce recidivism and support rehabilitation.”
The initiative addresses the unique challenges faced by justice-involved veterans, offering individualized case management, legal aid to overcome employment barriers, and direct housing referrals to ensure stability post-release.
“I am grateful to Governor Mikie Sherrill for her strong commitment to New Jersey’s veterans, and to Acting Commissioner Victoria Kuhn for her leadership in making this partnership possible,” said James McGreevey
Executive Director and Chairman of the New Jersey Reentry Corporation. “This MOU ensures that veterans returning home, regardless of discharge status, are connected to the treatment, services, and opportunities they need to rebuild their lives with dignity and stability.”
“EHCA has proudly served more than 700 NJDOC incarcerated veterans over the past seven years and we look forward to continuing that work in all state institutions, halfway houses and in the community post-incarceration. EHCA offers services such as, documentation, veterans affairs referrals, housing assistance, transportation, food, clothing and other essentials, to every identified incarcerated and formerly incarcerated veteran throughout the State,” said Steve Johnson, CEO of EHCA.