The Wayne County Reentry Council, operated by Wayne Community College, was named Program of the Year by the North Carolina Gang Investigators Association (NCGIA).
The Wayne County Reentry Council partners with several community organizations and government agencies to provide resources for justice-involved individuals and their families. Resources may include educational opportunities, job-search assistance, employment training, mental health counseling, food, clothing, transportation, and shelter.
The council aims to help individuals successfully transition back into society and reduce recidivism. It provides ongoing case management sessions that incorporate developmental goals for those in the program.
The NCGIA awards recognize outstanding achievements in gang investigations, intelligence work, and community impact. Recipients were honored at an awards banquet.
“This recognition is a meaningful reminder that the work we do matters and that we are fulfilling a purpose greater than ourselves—helping individuals overcome barriers, transform their lives, and reach their full potential,” said WCC Vice President of Workforce Continuing Education Services and Community Engagement Renita Dawson.
The Wayne County Reentry Council hosts campaigns and events throughout the year to gain support and awareness of its mission. Through workshops, job and resource fairs, information sessions, and more, the council works to reduce barriers and expand opportunities for justice-involved individuals.
The council has received statewide recognition in the past. In 2025, it was named a Champion for Attainment by myFutureNC.
“By providing education and training opportunities, connecting individuals with meaningful employment, and helping them establish pathways to achieve their goals, we can continue to create opportunities for successful reentry and build stronger, more resilient communities,” Dawson said.
Learn more about the Wayne County Reentry Council on WCC’s website.
About the NCGIA
The NCGIA is an association of law enforcement and criminal justice professionals who are dedicated to the prevention of gang-related activity within the state of North Carolina. Through enhanced inter-agency intelligence exchange, legislative activism, citizen awareness, innovative anti-gang operational tactics, and by providing education and training, they play a significant role in creating a safer environment for the state’s residents and visitors.
About Wayne Community College
Wayne Community College is a public, learning-centered institution with an open-door admission policy located in Goldsboro, N.C. As it works to develop a highly skilled and competitive workforce, the college serves around 10,000 individuals annually as well as businesses, industry, and community organizations with high quality, affordable, accessible learning opportunities, including more than 150 college credit programs. WCC’s mission is to meet the educational, training, and cultural needs of the communities it serves.