Philadelphia Dept. of Prisons

Today, the Philadelphia Department of Prisons concluded Reentry Month with an Education and Workforce Reentry Resource Fair, connecting incarcerated individuals with educational opportunities, job training, employment resources, legal services, and community support designed to help them succeed upon release.
Thank you to our partners for making today's event a success: VUOTS, Uplift Solutions, Division Reentry, Beyond Literacy, PA CareerLink, Second Chance Voters, The Elevation Project, Center For Employment Opportunities, PAR Recycle Works, Community Legal Services, and Community College of Philadelphia. Together, we are helping create pathways to opportunity, stability, and successful reentry.

On behalf of Correctional Officers Grant, Johnson, and Sanford – a big THANK YOU to everyone who stopped by the PDP table at the Coalition of Nonprofits: Community Health & Help Expo on Saturday, June 20! If you applied to the Correctional Officer job openings, keep an eye on your email for your application status, upcoming information sessions, and next steps.

👉 If you haven't applied: go to www.phila.gov/prisons and tap the APPLY NOW button! (Link is also in our bio)

📣 We will announce upcoming job fairs and events that the PDP is attending, so follow us and check back soon!

June is Reentry Awareness Month, and the Philadelphia Department of Prisons held two reentry-focused events this week in observance.

On Tuesday, June 16, the Legal Support Reentry Resource Fair took place at CFCF. Organizations in attendance included The Defender Association, Community Legal Services, Participatory Defense, and the Department of Human Services. Incarcerated individuals had the opportunity to connect with organizations offering support related to their cases, expungement information, self-advocacy resources, and Philadelphia Department of Human Services parenting workshops and family support services. The event highlighted the importance of providing individuals with access to legal information, resources, and support as they prepare for successful reentry into the community after serving their time.

And earlier today, June 18, the RTS Staff and Partner Reentry Meet & Greet event brought together more than 70 community partners from over 30 organizations alongside more than 75 staff members from the PDP’s Restorative and Transitional Services (RTS) Division. Throughout the morning, attendees were guided by the question, “How might we better connect the work happening inside PDP with the support available in the community?” Staff and partners engaged in meaningful conversation, collaboration, and idea-sharing focused on strengthening reentry efforts and supporting successful transitions back to the community.

🚨 HAPPENING NOW: PHA SUMMER JOB FAIR 🚨

Stop by the PDP table to talk with our representatives about a career as a Correctional Officer and other career paths and apply on the spot!

PHA Summer Job Fair
• WHEN: TODAY, 6/16/2026, 10am - 2pm
• WHERE: Wilson Park Community Center - 2500 Jackson St, Phila, PA 19145

Help us spread the word - share this with any job seekers you know!

🚨 PDP IS HIRING! 🚨

Looking for a new career? Join us at these upcoming events! Stop by the PDP table to talk with our representatives about a career as a Correctional Officer and other career paths and apply on the spot!

1️⃣ Citywide Health & Safety Fair
⏰ WHEN: 6/16/2026, 10am - 2pm
📍 WHERE: LOVE Park (JFK Plaza) - 1501 John F Kennedy Blvd, Phila, PA 19102

2️⃣ PHA Summer Job Fair
⏰ WHEN: 6/16/2026, 10am - 2pm
📍 WHERE: Wilson Park Community Center - 2500 Jackson St, Phila, PA 19145

3️⃣ Coalition of Non-Profits Community Health & Help Expo
⏰ WHEN: 6/20/2026, 10am - 8pm
📍 WHERE: Pennsylvania Convention Center - 1101 Arch St, Phila, PA 19107

👉 NOTE: Events # 1 and # 2 are both on June 16, so choose which event works best for you.

📣 Help us spread the word – share this with any job seekers you know!

The Philadelphia Department of Prisons today joined the Correctional Peace Officers Foundation (CPOF) in honoring the memory of Sergeant Devin Williams, who tragically lost his life in a motorcycle accident on April 17, 2026.

Former Warden Michele Farrell presented a check from the CPOF to Devin's mother, Lisa Williams, as a reminder that the PDP family continues to stand beside those who have suffered loss.

"This means a lot," Williams said. "He was loved by a lot of people. It's good to know that other people thought about him this way."

Founded nationally in 1984, the CPOF has assisted approximately 100 members of the PDP family since the department established its local chapter in 2004. As the organization reemerges following the pandemic, its mission remains the same: supporting correctional professionals and their families in times of need.

This morning, Commissioner Resnick recognized Detention Center Correctional Officer Akawsi Acheampong with a commendation and letter of acknowledgment for his quick thinking and lifesaving actions.

On June 6, Officer Acheampong observed an incarcerated individual choking during the afternoon meal and immediately performed the Heimlich maneuver, successfully preventing a tragedy.

His actions reflect the professionalism, vigilance, and commitment to safety demonstrated by Philadelphia Department of Prisons staff every day. Congratulations, Officer Acheampong, and thank you for your service!!!

Today, the Philadelphia Department of Prisons continued its observance of Reentry Month with a Health Reentry Fair at Riverside Correctional Facility (RCF), the second of four reentry-focused events being held across our institutions throughout June.

The event connected incarcerated individuals with valuable information and resources related to physical health, behavioral health, healthcare access, recovery support, and community-based services that can help support a successful return home.

We extend our sincere thanks to our community partners for taking part in today's event and for their ongoing commitment to supporting healthy reentry and community stability: National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), Patient Sortal, Mental Health Partnerships, Crossroads Treatment Center, Pan American Mental Health Services, Philadelphia FIGHT, Peerstar, and the Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual disAbility Services Community Engagement Unit.

Successful reentry begins long before release. By connecting individuals with resources, treatment, and support networks, we help create pathways to healthier outcomes, stronger families, and safer communities.

Today at the Philadelphia Industrial Correctional Center (PICC), PDP kicked off a month-long series of reentry-focused events with a Reentry Simulation designed to give incarcerated individuals a firsthand look at the challenges they may face upon release.

Participants navigated real-world obstacles such as securing housing, finding employment, obtaining identification documents, meeting supervision requirements, and accessing essential services—all while managing limited time, transportation, and resources. For many returning citizens, these challenges are encountered with little preparation, planning, or support, turning everyday tasks into barriers that can lead to frustration and setbacks.

The Reentry Simulation helps prepare soon-to-be-released individuals for that reality by providing a better understanding of the hurdles ahead and the resources available to help them succeed. Today's event is the first of four Reentry Month events that will be held each Tuesday throughout June at PDP institutions along State Road.

Every successful reentry strengthens families, improves public safety, and builds stronger communities.