Lenoir Community College to Lead Reentry Efforts in Lenoir, Greene, and Jones Counties
Helping justice-involved individuals successfully transition back into the community
By: Megan Wade
Lenoir Community College has been awarded a contract by the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction to serve as the lead agency for the Reentry Council of Lenoir, Greene, and Jones Counties. As the official Intermediary Agency, LCC will provide administrative support and coordination for the Council’s efforts to help individuals successfully transition from incarceration back into their communities.
“Reentry” refers to the programs and support systems designed to help people who have been incarcerated rebuild their lives—finding jobs, accessing education and treatment, reconnecting with their families, and becoming active members of their communities again. These services play a critical role in reducing recidivism—the rate at which people return to prison after being released. In North Carolina, that rate is approximately 44%.
“This work doesn’t just change lives, it can save them,” said Tracey Price, who has been named Reentry Coordinator for the three-county region. “And it saves taxpayer dollars too. Every person who doesn’t return to prison because they’re getting the support they need is a win for our community.”
Price’s own journey makes her uniquely qualified to lead these efforts. She first came to LCC in 2010, not as a student, but as someone completing court-ordered community service. She was in recovery and seeking direction. While sweeping the steps of the Bullock Building, she had a chance encounter with then-president Dr. Briley, who encouraged her to enroll in classes. She did just that, earning an associate degree in Human Services with a focus on mental health, and later joining the college staff.
“This college gave me a fresh start when I needed it most,” said Price. “Now I have the opportunity to help others find their way, just like I did. I share my story to help break the stigma around recovery and incarceration. People can, and do, change.”
The Reentry Council began in 2018, sparked by a community interest meeting at LCC. Since then, the Council has grown to include local organizations, service providers, and volunteers working together to reduce repeat offenses, increase public safety, and support individuals returning home from prison or jail.
The primary Reentry Office location will be at The Recovery Center, located at 115 East North Street in Kinston. The Greene County office will be located at LCC’s Workforce Development Center, at 602 West Harper Street in Snow Hill. The Jones County office will be at LCC’s Jones County Center, located at 509 NC Hwy 58 in Trenton. In addition to reentry services, LCC will offer Adult Basic Education, Employability Training, and High School Equivalency classes at The Recovery Center—free and open to the public.
For more information about Reentry services, contact Tracey Price at taprice51@lenoircc.edu or 252-527-6223 ext. 718.
For information about adult education classes, contact Chanelle Flowers at cmflowers70@lenoircc.edu or 252-527-6223 ext. 722.
