In partnership with the Volunteers of America Ohio & Indiana and the Hamilton County Office of Reentry, the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County is presenting the month-long exhibit Unbound, featuring the creative writings and visual art of people who have experienced incarceration and are in various stages of returning to our communities. Unbound seeks to personalize the experiences of returning citizens, discuss the obstacles they face, and share the assistance they receive from various local organizations.
“The men and women transitioning back into our communities out of the criminal justice system face obstacles and challenges, but they are not alone,” said John von Arx III, president and CEO of Volunteers of America Ohio & Indiana. “Our programs, along with other resources in the community, provide treatment, and support to these individuals to get their lives back on track. This exhibit gives us a personal view of their journey and creates an opportunity for a much needed dialogue about change, understanding and compassion.”
The creative works are on display Sept. 28–Oct. 31 in the Atrium of the Downtown Main Library. There is an artists’ reception with light refreshments 2-4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 13, in the Atrium. The public is invited to attend and learn more about efforts to ease the process of reentry and reduce recidivism.
For more information on this exhibit, call 513-369-6900 or visit www.CincinnatiLibrary.org.
ABOUT VOLUNTEERS OF AMERICA OHIO & INDIANA
Volunteers of America is a national, nonprofit, faith-based organization dedicated to helping those in need rebuild their lives and reach their full potential. Through thousands of human service programs, including housing and healthcare, Volunteers of America helps nearly 2 million people across the country — more than 2,300 in Ohio and Indiana. Established local in 1896, its ministry of service has supported and empowered America’s most vulnerable groups, including low-income seniors, veterans, homeless individuals and families, men and women returning home after incarceration, and those recovering from addictions. Volunteers of America Ohio & Indiana operate re-entry programs in Cincinnati, Dayton, Mansfield, and Toledo.
ABOUT HAMILTON COUNTY OFFICE OF REENTRY
The Hamilton County Office of Reentry is a client driven referral and support organization that provides services to individuals returning to the community from correctional facilities.
