WARREN — Toughing out the July heat, nearly 350 people filled North Park Commons on Friday at the Trumbull County Adult Probation Department’s Community Resource Fair, weaving through tables staffed by 24 community agencies offering a lifeline to those navigating life during and after their time in the justice system.

For those putting on the event, it was more than just that; it was a chance to knock down a barrier for current and former probationers seeking to rebuild their lives but unaware of the options to receive treatment, counseling, housing and job opportunities.

The fair had a steady flow of traffic as attendees explored resources, a raffle offered prizes, and the first 150 attendees received a free slice of pizza from Franky’s Pizza and Delicatessen.

A dunk tank, manned by a probation officer, raised funds for St. Vincent de Paul and The Healthy Hearts and Paws, with donations of dog food and supplies pouring in for the overwhelmed animal shelter.

From mental health support to job training, the event aimed to dismantle the barriers that often trap individuals in a cycle of recidivism.

For many, it was a chance to rewrite their stories. “This isn’t about punishment, it’s about progress,” said Chief Probation Officer Tracy Hunt. “We want people to leave probation with stable housing, a job and sobriety. Today, we’re showing them the community is here to help.” Hunt, who helped spearhead the event, said the turnout surpassed her modest goal of 100 attendees.

“We’re seeing people who’ve finished probation come back because they know we’re trying to help them succeed.”

The fair featured a diverse array of organizations, including the Warren City Health Department’s Mobile Health Unit, the VA, the Mental Health and Recovery Board, and the Trumbull County Sheriff’s Office. Agencies like New Day and On Demand offered substance use and mental health counseling.

Jobs for Ohio’s Graduates (JOG) and OhioMeansJobs focused on employment, helping attendees craft resumes and connect with employers in high-demand fields like manufacturing and healthcare.

Lola Simmons, executive director of Home for Good Reentry and president of the Route 11 Reentry Coalition, was a standout presence, guiding attendees through the complexities of reentering society. Her organization helps individuals overcome barriers like criminal convictions that block professional licenses.

“The Certificate of Qualification for Employment (CQE) is a game-changer,” Simmons said. “It lets someone with a felony or misdemeanor stand before a licensing board and be judged for who they are now, not their past mistakes.”

Simmons recounted helping individuals secure nursing licenses and other credentials, opening doors to careers once thought impossible.

Ondra Daniels, a Warren resident who attended the fair, knows the struggle of starting over. Recently released from a correctional facility, he credited OhioMeansJobs for helping him land a job quickly.

“Events like this are vital,” Daniels said, his voice steady with conviction. “When you’ve been in the system, you feel like the world’s against you. Coming here, seeing all these programs, it shows you’re not alone. It’s about bettering yourself as a person.”

“We’re not just helping people on probation; we’re giving back to the community,” Hunt said, noting that the department also supports sober living programs, sometimes covering $3,000 in rent to give individuals a stable foundation.

Sean Keating, programs and community outreach coordinator for St. Vincent de Paul Northeast Ohio, talked about the collaborative effort of some of the entities participating. “We call everyone we serve ‘neighbors,’ because we’re all part of this community,” he said.

His organization works with groups like the Mental Health and Recovery Board to distribute Narcan kits and with JOG to provide workforce training. “Days like this bring resources together so no one falls through the cracks,” Keating said.

Chris Kraker, representing Jobs for Ohio’s Graduates under a $3 million Workforce Opportunities for Rural Communities grant, explained how his program connects people to careers in manufacturing and healthcare. “We’re not just about jobs; we’re about building skills, resume writing, conflict resolution, soft skills employers value,” Kraker said. “People think manufacturing means working a line, but it could be security or administrative roles. We’re helping people find a path forward.”

Christina Young, director of development and communications for the Greater Warren Young Urban League, highlighted the demand for housing and entrepreneurial support.

“Felons struggle to find landlords who’ll rent to them,” she said. “We’re working to build a consortium of private landlords and raise funds for deposits or a month’s rent.” Her organization’s Level Up Program teaches professional communication and business planning, while a new financial literacy course set to launch in September will help probationers budget and manage finances. “We see our clients as family,” Young said, noting the familiar faces who return for support and community service.

For Hunt, the fair’s success was personal. “When someone comes back to thank us for sober living or a job connection, it’s life-changing. It’s what keeps us going in a job that can be tough.”

She pointed to stories like Daniels’, where resources made a tangible difference, as proof of the fair’s impact.

Hunt and her team are already planning the next event, determined to keep the momentum going. “We’re here to break down barriers,” she said. “Today showed we’re on the right track.”