The Ohio Prison Education Exchange Project (OPEEP) and The Petey Greene Program collaborated to present a two-day event aimed at raising awareness about the challenges faced by individuals reentering society after incarceration. This initiative also brought together instructors to explore trauma-informed approaches to teaching in carceral spaces. The Petey Greene Program is dedicated to supporting the academic and career aspirations of formerly incarcerated individuals through high-quality tutoring and educational initiatives, while also raising awareness about the systemic injustices embedded in our carceral system.
On September 9, the first day of the event featured a reentry simulation, where students, faculty, and community members—including those engaged with the local court and judicial system—came together to experience the complexities of reentry firsthand. Each participant received a "life card" outlining their background, living situation, and employment status, along with a set of tasks designed to mimic the challenges faced by those reintegrating into society. Throughout the simulation, participants navigated various "stations" representing essential resources such as the DMV, Probation Court, GED programs, banks, employers, and social service agencies. Many participants reported feelings of frustration and helplessness as they sought necessary resources and confronted systems that often seem designed to hinder rather than assist. This powerful experience served as a stark reminder of the urgent need for comprehensive reform and highlighted the importance of both individual and collective efforts in promoting change.
On September 10, the second day featured the Trauma-Informed Practices for Teaching in Carceral Spaces workshop, led by Chiara Benetollo, Ph.D., Executive Director of the Puttkammer Center for Educational Justice and Equity. This workshop aimed to equip instructors with the skills and strategies necessary to implement trauma-informed teaching methods in their classrooms. Participants engaged in meaningful discussions about effective teaching techniques tailored to meet the needs of incarcerated learners.
Through events like these, OPEEP seeks to drive change in the policies and structures that affect individuals reentering society after incarceration. As Jeffrey Abramowitz, Chief Executive Officer of the Petey Greene Program, reflected from his own reentry experience, "Change must start with us." He emphasized the need to confront the "elephant one bite at a time"—our criminal justice system, which creates difficult conditions for returning citizens and contributes to recidivism. Together, we must address these issues step by step, ensuring that everyone has the support and resources necessary for success.
