CONTACT: Ohio State Bar Foundation at 614/487-4474 

Columbus (October 7, 2009) – The Ohio State Bar Foundation’s (OSBF) 2008 Fellows Class is presenting a summit on inmate re-entry initiatives in Ohio to help raise awareness of options and opportunities for local inmate re-entry success.  The summit is scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 8, 2009, at the Embassy Suites in Dublin, Ohio from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

“Each year our fellows take on an important community service project. Given the challenges Ohio faces with the number of inmates projected for release in the coming years, this year’s OSBF Fellows Class wanted to support local communities as they work to identify programs that will help with re-entering individuals,” said OSBF President Stephen E.  Chappelear. 

The OSBF Fellows Class is comprised of 42 attorneys and judges from around the state who are interested in improving the justice system.

Topics at the summit will include: preparing inmates for going home, health concerns, social justice concerns, where the funds are to support reentry programs, model programs, employment challenges, community involvement, and success stories from inmates who have successfully re-entered community life.

Participation is limited to 200 guests, including United Way agencies, social service organizations, churches, prosecutors, judges and other organizations working with inmates as they re-enter the community.  The entire program is open to the media for coverage opportunities.  For more information, please contact the Ohio State Bar Foundation at 614/487-4474 or visit the website at www.osbf.net.

The Ohio State Bar Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the Ohio State Bar Association and is dedicated to fostering public understanding of the law and improvements in the justice system. 

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