The Greater Louisville Re-entry Coalition and Kentucky Probation and Parole held a re-entry simulation to give parole officers a better understanding of the struggles parolees experience and the limited resources available to them upon release. All 30 of the participants received instructions listing weekly tasks they must complete. Tables were set up around the St. Stephen Church Family Life Center representing different organizations, such as the courts, Probation & Parole office, a bank, plasma donation, counseling services, and others. Participants had to navigate the system with very little resources, with just 15 minutes representing a full week to complete tasks. Failure to meet the requirements resulted in the attendees being sent to (simulated) jail, not reporting timely to Probation and Parole, and not attending required support meetings. According to event organizer Matthew Hayes, this was the pilot event for Kentucky and was designed to work out any ‘kinks’ in the initiative. The goal is to have all P&P staff participate in such a simulation. Diersen Assistant Director Stacy Coleman and Counselor Sam Cook (above right) acted as parolees as did P&P officers.
