Program for returning citizens recognized
Oakland County Treasurer Andy Meisner’s Returning Citizens Entrepreneur Training Center (RE-CET) has been recognized with an Achievement Award from the National Association of Counties (NACo). The award honors innovative, effective county government programs that strengthen services for residents. Meisner’s new program is an entrepreneurial development system designed to transition returning citizens from incarceration into financial empowerment through the rewards of self-employment.
Meisner said, “Returning citizens often face barriers to finding employment, credit, and housing which imperil their financial well-being and increase the likelihood of recidivism. RE-CET empowers returning citizens to take control of their finances by turning their skills and passions into income-producing business ventures.”
Working with statewide organizations dedicated to assisting the ex-offender population, RE-CET counselors serve various roles from friend, advisor, and advocate for returning citizens ready to contribute to society by opening businesses.
The program pairs county financial counselors with returning citizens to plan and launch new businesses. Counseling sessions range from personal financial advice—including household budgeting, building credit, and opening bank accounts—to professional advice—including money management skills, document review, marketing strategies, and negotiating leases and contracts.
Personal and legal frustrations are resolved through friendly listening sessions designed to focus the entrepreneur’s energy towards new business opportunities.
Early casework has resulted in multiple new businesses, new jobs, a decline in homelessness, and a sense of ownership and accomplishment from a group of dedicated innovators.
This is the fourth year in a row Meisner has received the Achievement Award. Unlike his past awards in the Community and Economic Development category, Meisner won the 2020 award for Criminal Justice and Public Safety.
NACo President Mary Ann Borgeson said, “We are seeing firsthand now more than ever that counties work tirelessly to support our residents. This year’s Achievement Award-winning programs showcase how counties build healthy, safe and vibrant communities across America.”
Nationally, awards are given in 18 different categories that reflect the vast, comprehensive services counties provide. The categories include children and youth, criminal justice and public safety, county administration, information technology, health, civic engagement and many more.
Started in 1970, NACo’s annual Achievement Awards program is designed to recognize county government innovations. Each nominee is judged on its own merits and not against other applications received.
The National Association of Counties (NACo) unites America’s 3,069 county governments. Founded in 1935, NACo brings county officials together to advocate with a collective voice on national policy, exchange ideas and build new leadership skills, pursue transformational county solutions, enrich the public’s understanding of county government and exercise exemplary leadership in public service. For additional information, visit www.naco.org
––––––––––––––––––––
Subscribe to the Legal News!
http://legalnews.com/subscriptions
Full access to public notices, articles, columns, archives, statistics, calendar and more
Day Pass Only $4.95!
One-County $80/year
Three-County & Full Pass also available
––––––––––––––––––––
Subscribe to the Legal News!
http://legalnews.com/Home/Subscription
Full access to public notices, articles, columns, archives, statistics, calendar and more
Day Pass Only $4.95!
One-County $80/year
Three-County & Full Pass also available
