Formerly incarcerated adults in four Washington counties to receive reentry help

  • Benefit programs
  • Job seekers

Released on

Name
Chris Barron, Communications Director
Email
media@esd.wa.gov

OLYMPIA - A $3 million grant from the U.S. Department of Labor will help adults soon to be released from jail in Kitsap, Franklin, Walla Walla and Pierce counties assess their skills and find jobs.

The Employment Security Department will manage the grant and hire specially trained employment specialists who:

  • Have lived experience in the justice system. 
  • Will work one-on-one with those who are 18 years and older and currently serving time in state or local jails. 
  • Will help up to 400 people reenter the workforce and their community.

“People in jail preparing to reenter their communities face substantial barriers to success,” said Cami Feek, Employment Security commissioner. “Without adequate support before and after their release, many return to criminal behavior. In fact, unemployment is the top recidivism risk factor.

“Our employment specialists and community partners in Kitsap, Franklin, Walla Walla and Pierce counties will collaborate to help smooth the often rocky path for adults reentering the workforce,” she said. 

Those qualified for the pilot must have a release date between 20 to 270 days. And when they are released, they must plan to reside in one of the four counties. 

In addition to job search help, “reentry” services will include help accessing:

  • Housing.
  • Education and job training.
  • Medical care.
  • Mental health and substance abuse counseling, if needed.

Employment Security expects grant services to start in January 2026 and continue through the end of 2028.