2026 ACA 156th Congress of Correction Pittsburgh_Program Book

state correctional institutions and supervises approximately 1,600 veteran reentrants. Over the past five years, DOC leadership has invested in a Veteran Services Team aimed at connecting veteran staff, inmates, and reentrants with the services, benefits, and information they need and/or have earned through their sacrifice. Presently, the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections has five specialized veteran service units (VSU) which provide housing for 600+ inmates. Additionally, the department has assigned Veteran Resource Agents in an attempt to close the continuity of care loop from lockup to community supervision. The Pennsylvania Department of Corrections now employs seven (7) full-time veteran service positions within the agency. Additionally, every state correctional institution (SCI) and field supervision office has at least one staff member assigned as the veteran’s coordinator or veteran resource agent. The goal of the agency is to ensure no veteran is left behind. Moderator: Chelsea Ellsworth , Regional Program Outreach Coordinator, Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veteran Affairs, Erie, Pennsylvania Speakers: Michael Carrington , Statewide Veteran’s Coordinator, Pennsylvania Department of Corrections, Warren, Pennsylvania; Daniel Mowrey , Veteran Service Unit Manager, Pennsylvania Department of Corrections, Pennsylvania, Houtzdale, Pennsylvania Workforce Development in Correctional Facilities: Building Pathways to Successful Reentry Room 315 Primary Community of Focus: Reentry Overview: As workforce shortages continue to impact industries across the country, correctional facilities have a unique opportunity to prepare justice-impacted individuals for meaningful careers before they return to their communities. In this interactive workshop, I will explore

how innovative workforce development strategies, industry-recognized credentials, employer partnerships, and immersive learning technologies can strengthen reentry outcomes and expand access to high-demand careers. Through facilitated discussion, real-world examples, and audience participation, we will examine common barriers to vocational programming, identify practical solutions, and discuss how to align training with the evolving needs of today’s employers. Rather than focusing on technology alone, this session will center on measurable outcomes, including credential attainment, workforce readiness, employment pathways, and successful reintegration. Attendees will leave with actionable ideas they can adapt within their own facilities to enhance programming and better prepare residents for long-term success. Moderator: Sherry Nachman , Vice President, Vehicles for Change, Baltimore, Maryland Speakers: Berlyn Best , Employment Relationship Manager, Vehicles for Change, Baltimore, Maryland; Terence Grandy , Content Creator/Subject Matter Expert/VR Instructor/ Program Graduate, Vehicles for Change, Baltimore, Maryland; Sherry Nachman , Vice President, Vehicles for Change, Baltimore, Maryland

WORKSHOPS

Saturday, Aug. 1 ▼ 8 a.m.–5 p.m.

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