CEDAR RAPIDS, IOWA (March 30, 2023) — Coe College will host a re-entry simulation on Wednesday, April 12, 6-8PM, in Eby Fieldhouse on the Coe campus. This interactive simulation is free and open to the public, and provides a glimpse into the challenges those returning from incarceration face. A previous reentry simulation occurred last year in April.
During the simulation, participants role-play the part of an individual recently released from incarceration who is attempting to successfully re-enter society. Once they receive their fictional backstory, participants will be asked to navigate a month in the life of that person. Each “month” consists of four fifteen-minute “weeks” during which participants interact with various stations that represent steps to re-entry. For example, they may have to get a state identification, attend mandatory counseling, apply for food stamps, or report regularly to their parole officer. Volunteers staff the stations representing different offices and agencies with which participants need to interact.
“It was an eye-opening and valuable experience. Even staffing the stations, you could feel the burden that being previously incarcerated holds on a person,” said Jacky Leon-Flores (’22).
Participants going through the simulation gain a fuller understanding of the obstacles people face upon release from jail or prison.
“There were instances in which I wanted to use discretion to pay people despite them not being at my booth long enough to get paid. I know that, in the real world, that would not be allowed. However, witnessing the distress that participants were in made me more empathetic towards people re-entering society,” said volunteer Coraima Camacho (’23).
The re-entry simulation is sponsored by Coe’s Prison Learning Initiative, which offers a range of hands-on experiences for campus and community members to learn about the impacts of incarceration and the carceral system.
"The re-entry simulation was a great opportunity to show members of the Coe and greater Cedar Rapids community the struggles formerly incarcerated people face when trying to re-enter after incarceration. Projects like this are so important because they bring attention to topics that often go unconsidered by people who have not been personally affected by the criminal-justice system,” said Emma Lassen (’23).
Those interested may register here to reserve a spot. Those unable to RSVP in advance are welcome to attend and participate if there are available spots. Organizations may register to attend as a group.
To discuss availability of space for your group, or to find out more about the re-entry simulation, contact Assistant Professor of Social and Criminal Justice Neal McNabb at nmcnabb@coe.edu.
Coe College offers superb academics and exciting extracurricular activities in a thriving urban setting that promotes student growth and success. Established in 1851, Coe has a national reputation for academic excellence enhanced by a student-centered, highly-supportive campus environment. Coe’s vibrant Cedar Rapids location provides an abundance of internships for students and career opportunities for graduates.
