Reentry in the Lehigh Valley: Breaking Barriers & Building Second Chances
Get More LVWITHLOVE Content Guests: Dr. Michael Pittaro – Director of Corrections, Northampton County Jose Rivera – Community Engagement Coordinator, United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley Attorney David D. Ritter – Criminal Defense Attorney, Kitay Law
Lehigh Valley with Love Podcast · Lehigh Valley with Love
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Show Notes
Get More LVWITHLOVE Content
Guests:
- Dr. Michael Pittaro – Director of Corrections, Northampton County
- Jose Rivera – Community Engagement Coordinator, United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley
- Attorney David D. Ritter – Criminal Defense Attorney, Kitay Law Offices
Reentry after incarceration is a process that affects all of us, whether we realize it or not. Did you know that 65% of people released from prison end up reoffending? Or that defendants who can’t afford bail often spend 90 to 180 days behind bars before their case is even resolved? These barriers make successful reintegration nearly impossible, but there are solutions—like expanding mental health and drug courts, addressing pre-trial detention challenges, and improving job opportunities for returning citizens.
In this episode of Lehigh Valley with Love, we dive deep into the realities of reentry with experts and those who have lived through the process. Our guests share their firsthand experiences and insights on what works, what doesn’t, and what needs to change.
Thank you to Dr. Joseph Roy for his invaluable help producing this episode!
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Blog: The Realities of Reentry – A Recap of the Podcast
Understanding Reentry Reentry is the process by which formerly incarcerated individuals reintegrate into society after serving their time. While release from prison might seem like the end of a sentence, for many, it marks the beginning of another battle—finding employment, securing housing, and avoiding recidivism.
Jose Rivera, Community Engagement Coordinator at United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley, explains how reentry was once a non-existent term. Instead, individuals were labeled “ex-cons” or “felons,” limiting their opportunities. While the language has evolved, the systemic barriers remain overwhelming for many returning citizens.
The Challenges of Reentry Dr. Michael Pittaro, Director of Corrections for Northampton County, highlights the recidivism rate of nearly 65% in the U.S., emphasizing that many individuals return to the same communiti