Ocean County Freeholder Director Virginia E. Haines and Deputy Director John P. Kelly were recognized during a Community Leader Breakfast for their continuing support for programs and services helping men and women re-entering the community after incarceration and in particular those who are recovering from drug and alcohol addiction.

The event was hosted by the New Jersey Reentry Corporation (NJRC), a nonprofit agency with the mission to remove all barriers to employment for citizens returning from jail or prison. NJRC sites offer employment training, contacts with employers and unions, education on available services, computer training, online employment search, network building workshops, adult basic education tests, life skills training, financial literacy and more.

Freeholder Kelly, who serves as Director of Law and Public Safety, noted that Ocean County, through its Department of Corrections, provides a host of programs for those leaving incarceration in order to help provide assistance for employment and ongoing drug and alcohol treatment. The department assists with release referrals to community organizations and placement into substance abuse treatment programs working with eight different providers. The County also works with the New Jersey Reentry Corp. and numerous other agencies to deliver vocational counseling, help with securing a high school diploma, and basic skills.

The Freeholders joined Toms River Mayor Thomas F. Kelaher, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer, Ocean County Jail Warden Sandra Mueller, Ocean County Sheriff Michael G. Mastronardy and former Gov. Jim McGreevey, who is chairman of the NJRC at the March 27 event.