New Leader of Ross County Group to Help Those Impacted by Incarceration

Wayne McLaughlin introduced his successor to lead the Ross County Reentry Coalition. Jody Wilson is the new chairman of the group whose mission is “to support individuals returning to Ross County from incarceration.”

Wilson is also the program manager for Anchor Addiction and Wellness Center. He said he works in the recovery career field, and the Reentry Coalition is the seventh such program he has worked in in Southeast Ohio.

A retired 23-year veteran, Wilson said he came to treatment at the Chillicothe VA Medical Center, and found the area to be family-centered. He says he has been here 17 years and that he is giving back to the community.

Wilson said the Reentry Coalition helps those coming back to Ross County from state prisons, local jails, or some other form of incarceration or related program like probation or outpatient. The Coalition helps with education, housing, other needs to help make them successful in the community and keep them from staying on public funds.

He pointed out that another big part of the Coalition is “SKIP,” Supporting Kids of Incarcerated Parents, to help children and their parents to have better lives.

Wilson said the Ross County Commissioners, along with the United Way, helped them with “nice funding” for this year. He said they will be working with allied organizations, as well as “shaking the bushes” to find more people who need the coalition’s help.

He also said the Reentry Coalition works closely with the Ross County Sheriff “to help as many as we can in all situations.”

Hear Jody Wilson in his own words in the interview video in the article on the Scioto Post.

The Ross County Reentry Coalition has a website, Facebook page, and can be reached at 740 / 703-8377.

Kevin Coleman covers local government and culture for the Scioto Post and iHeart Media Southern Ohio. For stories or questions, contact Kevin Coleman or the iHeart Southern Ohio Newsroom.