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By Ty Reed, Employment Security Department reentry manager
As we celebrate National Second Chance Month, it feels especially meaningful to look back on the past year of reentry work at the Washington State Employment Security Department. The last 12 months have been a period of real momentum — full of growth and collaboration. The past year has deepened our commitment to ensuring that people reentering our communities have a fair shot at rebuilding their lives.
Some of the biggest milestones came through our successful pursuit of several federal funding opportunities. In particular, the $3 million Pathway Home 6 grant from the U.S. Department of Labor allows us to bring individualized employment services — both pre- and post-release — into 5 state Department of Corrections (DOC) facilities. It’s a major step toward meeting people where they are and making sure they have support long before they walk out the gate.
Employment Security leads part of “Reentry 2030” to meet ambitious goal
This year also marked a shift in our leadership role in the statewide Reentry 2030 initiative. This group of government and community organizations is striving to reduce recidivism 30% by 2030. Washington joined Reentry in 2024, and Employment Security now coordinates the employment focused commitments of all participating state agencies.
Together, we’re working toward an ambitious but necessary goal: By 2030, at least 40% of individuals leaving DOC custody will be employed within 6 months of release. It’s a bold target, but one that reflects our belief that employment is one of the most powerful stabilizing forces in a person’s reentry journey.
Washington’s other Reentry 2030 goals, led by other state agencies, aim to:
- Ensure zero returns to homelessness after incarceration.
- Enroll 100% of eligible people in Medicaid 90 days before release.
Read more about Reentry 2030 on its website.
Statewide Reentry Council supports people returning to their communities
Employment Security’s involvement with the Statewide Reentry Council also deepened this year. We are strengthening the ties between workforce development, community needs and the lived experiences of people returning home after incarceration.
Looking ahead, we are preparing for an even more transformative chapter. Over the next year, we will design and pilot a comprehensive statewide reentry system. We will explore ways to expand services within our current footprint, and build stronger partnerships with DOC, local jails and the business community.
Read more about the Statewide Reentry Council on the Department of Commerce website.
All of these efforts reflect a simple truth: Second chances are more than a theme for April. They’re a responsibility we embrace all year long.
Author Ty Reed is the reentry manager for the Employment Security Department.