West Tennessee State Penitentiary Hosts Offender Resource Fair

HENNING – The West Tennessee State Penitentiary (WTSP) hosted an offender resource fair yesterday afternoon. Vendors in attendance were Project Return, Outreach Ministry, Forgiveness House, Persevere, All-Star Training Academy, Man of Valor and Memphis and Shelby County Office of Reentry.

According to Napoleon Richardson, WTSP Career Specialist, the fair gives offender’s the opportunity to get more information about jobs and other resources to help them transition back into the community. “The guys can ask questions face-to-face and give them some more information on what to expect in the free-world.” Richardson added, “The main goal is that they understand what their future is going to be and what opportunities they have.”

Richardson said when offenders have those contacts they have hope and can be successful going into the world. “They can get a better idea of the jobs out there before they leave the facility, by actually talking to vendors and getting realistic information.”

If a vendor is interested in participating in the next resource fair, Richardson said he is always looking for vendors who offer services or jobs to people with a felony. To participate in the next fair contact Napoleon Richardson at Napoleon.Richardson@tn.gov.