10/01/2026
More than 50 people from across Northeast Indiana came together for the Huntington County Reentry Simulator, hosted by the Northeast Indiana Reentry Coalition (NEIRC), facilitated by LITE Recovery, and made possible through funding from the Purdue Extension Community Vitality program.
Participants represented communities and organizations throughout the Northeast Indiana region, including local government, corrections, faith groups, recovery, education, social services, and other community partners. Together, they experienced some of the barriers people may encounter while returning to their communities after incarceration including balancing employment with probation requirements, treatment and recovery services, transportation, drug testing, appointments, finances, and everyday responsibilities.
The experience prompted immediate reflection.
“I had no idea how burdensome drug testing was. In the simulation, I had to go every week, get tested multiple times, AND pay for it. It made it really hard to get all of my other responsibilities done.”
Another participant reflected:
“I was so frustrated because I had to do all these things: see my probation officer, go to meetings, mental health appointments, and still get to work. There was no time.”
Perhaps one of the most meaningful reflections came from a volunteer with lived experience:
“I’ve been in and out of prison seven times, and this was never a thing. I’m so glad to be a part of this opportunity and to see that there is support for people coming home. We don’t have to walk this journey alone.”
Those words captured an important part of the day. Reentry is not only about navigating requirements and overcoming barriers, it is also about connection, relationships, and knowing that support exists.
That message was reinforced by Katie Niemann, JJ Whisenhunt Jr., and Chris Ehrhart, who shared their lived experiences with incarceration, recovery, and reentry. JJ emphasized the importance of connection and building positive relationships, while all three thanked participants for taking the time to better understand reentry and encouraged them to be among the positive relationships that can make a difference in someone’s journey.
Participants also heard from Tim Eckert, Huntington County Veterans Service Officer, and Dr. Matt Pflieger, Huntington County Public Health Officer, bringing additional perspectives on the systems and community supports that intersect with successful reentry.
The simulator was not simply about understanding individual barriers. It was about recognizing how those barriers intersect and considering what we can change within our own organizations, communities, and systems.
That is also the work of the Northeast Indiana Reentry Coalition. NEIRC brings together partners across the region to strengthen reentry through six focus areas: housing; education and workforce; physical and behavioral health; legal needs and documentation; family and social support; and transportation. People with lived experience are essential partners in that work.
Interested in being part of NEIRC? We welcome individuals and organizations from across Northeast Indiana who want to help build stronger pathways for people returning home after incarceration. Reach out to [email protected] learn more about the coalition or how to participate in one of our working groups.
We are grateful to Samuel Douthitt, who professionally photographed the event and captured the people, conversations, and moments that made the day possible. The photos shared here offer a glimpse into a day centered on learning, connection, lived experience, and a shared commitment to strengthening reentry across Northeast Indiana.
