(Camden, NJ) – The Board of Commissioners celebrated the grand opening of the Camden County Department of Corrections Reentry Release Center. The newly renovated facility will work to reduce structural barriers for individuals leaving the Camden County Correctional Facility (CCCF) by working with peer specialists to help individuals pave a smooth transition back to their community. At one time, the correctional facility had more than double the number of residents that it currently houses today. As a result of these innovative initiatives, the jail population has been reduced by almost 60%.
“The Reentry Release Center will provide a structured transition point where individuals can connect to community-based services to help them achieve and maintain stability after their release from incarceration,” said Commissioner Jonathan Young, liaison to the Department of Corrections. “This initiative reflects the Board of Commissioners’ commitment to reducing recidivism throughout Camden County, and ensuring everyone has the tools they need to succeed as they reenter society.”
Evaluations have already documented the success of the program and have shown that this initiative has helped to cut down on recidivism. Camden County Commissioner Director Louis Cappelli Jr. noted the wide breadth of services available to clients of the Reentry Release Center, including the continuation of care for individuals who received treatment for substance use disorder while incarcerated.
“In addition to providing essential services such as housing assistance, employment support, identification services, peer mentorship, and mental health care, a cornerstone of the Reentry Release Center is the substance use support available to clients, which will further enhance the Camden County Correctional Facility’s nationally recognized treatment for substance use disorder,” said Commissioner Director Cappelli. “The creation of the Reentry Release Center underscores our commitment for a robust continuity of care for formerly incarcerated individuals, and we look forward to seeing these individuals successfully reintegrate into society.”
Core services of the Reentry Release Center include housing support, employment services, identification assistance, health care access and continuity of care, mental health support, substance use support, family reunification, and a peer support network.
Assemblyman Bill Spearman highlighted the broader benefits of reentry programs.
“When there is a reduction in recidivism, there is a corresponding reduction in expenses related to incarceration and justice system involvement,” said Assemblyman Bill Spearman. “Successful reentry programs, such as the Camden County Reentry Release Center, help individuals return to society with stability and support, strengthening our communities, and easing the long-term burden on our public systems.”
The newly renovated facility is located adjacent to the Camden County Correctional Facility in Camden. The space features private meeting rooms, a lounge area, shower facilities, on-site washers and dryers, and a fully equipped kitchenette. The Reentry Release Center is decorated with artwork completed by individuals who are currently or formerly incarcerated, inspiring visitors, and reminding them of their potential.
Camden County Jail Population Manager, Sharon Bean acknowledged that the Reentry Release Center is meant to serve as an immediate soft-landing space to support individuals who lack stable discharge plans, so they can navigate their reentry into society with dignity.
“Reentry is more than a second chance — it is a reflection of who we are as a society,” said Sharon Bean, Camden County Jail Population Manager. “The Reentry Release Center is the result of individuals having the courage to challenge the status quo, to question policies that no longer serve human dignity, and to build pathways that replace punishment with possibility.”
Data-driven insights have helped to shape Camden County’s approach to reentry services. The Camden Coalition, in partnership with Camden County, is preparing to release findings from its latest evaluation of the Peer Support Reentry Program, which was built upon the county’s nationally recognized treatment for substance use disorder.
“Over the past several years, Camden County has invested in innovative approaches to supporting individuals with substance use disorders both during and after incarceration. The Camden Coalition has been proud to partner with the County on evaluating that work,” said Camden Coalition Senior Director of Data and Quality, Aaron Truchil. “In the coming weeks, we will release findings from our latest evaluation of the Peer Support Reentry Program, building on earlier work on the jail’s medication for opioid use disorder program and examining the impact of pairing clinical care with peer support during reentry. We look forward to sharing the findings and continuing our partnership with the County to ensure the infrastructure we are building supports recovery, stability, and safer communities.”
Prince Alvarado, Program Director at Project Reconnect, a youth reentry initiative in Camden, underscored the lasting benefits reentry programs bring to the community.
“As a justice-impacted professional, I know firsthand that programs like the Camden County Reentry Release Center can change lives,” said Prince Alvarado, Program Director of Project Reconnect. “Reducing recidivism, and creating sustainable pathways to economic mobility gives justice-impacted individuals a real chance to rebuild their lives, and contribute to their communities.”
To learn more about the Camden County Department of Corrections, please visit https://camdendoc.opsnetwork.org/.