Project ENCORE

Project ENCORE (P-ENCORE) is the Pratt Library’s new restorative justice program which aims to dismantle institutional barriers and social reintegration challenges that lead to recidivism. There are three parts to P-ENCORE: Workforce Development, Digital Equity, and the Reconnection Center.

Workforce Development provides candidates with the opportunity to apply for a full-time or part-time apprenticeship in either Public Service or Facilities that best fits their capacity to learn and grow. Possible positions include: Office Support Specialist II, Custodial Worker I, Peer Recovery Specialist, Outreach Program Assistant, and Digital Navigator.

Digital Equity is working to close gaps and barriers that cause difficulty for returning citizens re-entering society. The Pratt Library specifically wants to close the digital divide by providing community organizations focused on returning citizens/formerly incarcerated employees, clients, and/or customers with laptops and hotspots according to the organization's needs. To learn more about how to request laptops and hotspots for your organization, please contact Project Encore at projectencore@prattlibrary.org.

The Reconnection Center is working hard to advertise the Pratt Library's many resources for reconnection and reintegration. With free services available such as housing navigators, peer navigators, social workers, lawyers, and many more, the Pratt Library has the resources to support and direct those reintegrating into society from incarceration. To learn more about the Reconnection Center's resources and programs, please contact projectencore@prattlibrary.org. A few ongoing Reconnection Center programs include:

• ReCOUP Business Accelerator, an 8-week entrepreneurship program for formerly incarcerated people aged 18 and older. Upon completion, attendees will participate in a pitch competition and graduation ceremony, and the Pratt Library will cover each graduate's fee to register their business with the state of Maryland.

• Empowered Journeys Reentry Support Group, a weekly support group for formerly incarcerated women held every Saturday, from 10am-12pm.

• Compassion Clothing Closet (CCC), a monthly pop-up shopping experience for returning citizens to assist with personal and professional clothing needs. The CCC will be held every second Thursday of the month from 11am-1pm, beginning November 2023.

• The Career Connection Program, a program working to fulfill the need for meaningful employment. The program is for formerly incarcerated people over the age of 18 who have been released for 3-9 months. Applications are considered on a rolling basis.

Become a P-ENCORE Partner!