Operational Guidance | OG 01-2024 American Rescue Plan Act Reentry Grant Funding to Support Local Reentry Councils

  • Date: March 14, 2024
  • Subject: American Rescue Plan Act Reentry Grant Funding to Support Local Reentry Councils
  • From: Chet Mottershead, Assistant Secretary for Workforce

Purpose:

To announce the Division of Workforce Solutions’ (DWS) provision of American Rescue Plan Act Reentry Grant funds to designated Workforce Development Boards (WDB) to support the creation of local Reentry Councils.

Background:

The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) was enacted on March 11, 2021, to provide relief to address the continued impact of COVID-19 on the economy, public health, state and local governments, individuals, and businesses. A component of ARPA is the State Fiscal Recovery Fund (SFRF), which provides $5.4 billion to North Carolina to help turn the tide on the pandemic, address its economic fallout, and lay the foundation for a strong and equitable recovery.

The N.C. General Assembly appropriated SFRF in Session Law 2021-180. The N.C. Pandemic Recovery Office (NCPRO) is responsible for overseeing and monitoring the use of the SFRF, as well as reporting to the U.S. Treasury on behalf of state agencies.

The Division of Workforce Solutions (DWS) has been allocated $2 million for expanding Reentry Jobseeker Services. $250,000 each has been designated for Eastern Carolina, Kerr-Tar, and Piedmont Triad WDBs to support the creation of local Reentry Councils.

Reentry Councils are an organized network of individuals and agencies that provide supervision and coordination of innovative responses to the reintegration of offenders/formerly incarcerated individuals at the local level and to use the existing program services. The purpose of local reentry councils is to help bring together all stakeholders who could offer assistance and resources to help offenders/formerly incarcerated individuals to become productive citizens, reduce recidivism and victimization.

Action:

The designated WDBs (Eastern Carolina, Kerr-Tar, and Piedmont Triad) must provide the required information listed below to receive funding.

  • A Scope of Work for the Reentry Council to include: 
    • Detailed project description with specific WDB tasks; 
    • Areas to be served; 
    • Partnerships and collaborations; 
    • WDB Contact Person; and 
    • Department of Adult Corrections Contact Person; 
  • A detailed budget narrative to include all program costs; 
  • A timeline for funds expenditure by December 31, 2026.

The WDBs must execute the DWS form, ARPA Memorandum of Understanding, adhere to the ARPA Guidelines, and fully expend funds by December 31, 2026.  

Effective Date:

Immediately

Expiration:

December 31, 2026 

Contact:

Eric Haddock, Reentry Coordinator 

 

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