Successfully transitioning back into the community is the aim of all formerly incarcerated individuals, but it is one that does not come easily — and does not happen without assistance.
The Kintock Group, through its Vantage Point Program, has had a history of success in this challenge. Last week, it opened its newest office location in the heart of Vineland – a location it feels will enable Kintock to expand its supportive reentry services and footprint in the greater South Jersey community.
Kintock CEO Walt Simpkins said his group is eager to help.
“Through our Vantage Point Program, formerly incarcerated individuals have access to critical wrap-around services that provide stability and promote long-term success as they transition back into the community,” he said.
“We offer so much more than simply guidance and assistance – we make sure that every single supportive service is tailored to the individual’s own unique needs and located right in their own communities. It is a real ‘second chance’ at life, and we are proud to support these individuals on their journey.”
Kintock’s Vantage Point Program is funded through a grant from the N.J. Department of Correction’s NJLEAD program, which is designed to enhance New Jersey’s comprehensive system of reentry services by support programs that provide essential services to the formerly incarcerated. The program is also funded in part by a JOBS Grant from the N.J. Department of Labor to enhance employment opportunities for justice-impacted state residents.
Core reentry services offered through Vantage Point Program include:
- Housing placement (emergency, transitional and supportive)
- Employment services (job training, counseling and placement)
- Substance use disorder treatment
- Mental and behavioral health support
- Legal assistance/services
- Benefit enrollment
- Transportation services
- State identification procurement
- Clothing/meal assistance
- Procurement of supportive technology – i.e. cell phones, tablets, etc.
The office in Vineland is the third for the Vantage Point Program, but the first in South Jersey. It joins locations in Newark and Paterson. The program also has mobile units that can be deployed at any time in order to meet individuals in need of assistance exactly where they are throughout the state.
Vineland Mayor Anthony Fanucci said the community is eager to welcome the group.
“Kintock has had a strong presence in Vineland for many years, but we are thrilled to see them plant solid roots here in our community with the opening of this new brick and mortar space,” he said.
“Residents will quickly see the benefits of having Kintock’s Vantage Point Program available and accessible to those in need of assistance – with the comprehensive reentry services and quality programming spurring positive change in individuals and reducing their likeliness to reoffend. We proudly welcome Kintock to our great city and look forward to their continued partnership and support for years to come.”
Victoria Kuhn, commissioner of the N.J. Department of Corrections, said the impact of the program cannot be overstated.
“Through the collaboration of reentry providers like Kintock, who offer essential support to individuals returning to their communities after incarceration, New Jersey’s recidivism rate is less than 5%, making it one of the lowest in the nation,” she said. “The services made possible through grants like NJLEAD, which empower programs like Kintock’s Vantage Point Program, are having a positive impact assisting formerly incarcerated persons on their path to second chance and enhancing public safety for communities across the state.”
