West Virginia Reentry Councils

06/01/2026

✨️ This week's Meet Us Monday ✨️

Bryanna Hodge 💕

Bryanna’s recovery journey began after nine years of active addiction, several attempts at recovery, and repeated incarcerations. In 2021, she was court-ordered to attend treatment at Recovery Point Charleston. What began as a court requirement became the turning point that changed the direction of her life. Bryanna made the decision to fully commit to recovery and began rebuilding her life one day at a time. Her sobriety date is September 22, 2021.
Originally from a small town in Fayette County, moving to Charleston introduced Bryanna to new opportunities, new support, and a strong recovery community that helped shape her personal growth. As she approached the completion of her treatment program at Recovery Point, she began to recognize a calling to help others who were facing the same struggles she had once experienced. Her lived experience became more than part of her past, it became a source of purpose, compassion, and hope for others.

05/25/2026

✨️Meet Us Monday ✨️

This week, we are honored to introduce Johnathan Spence.💙❤️🤍

Johnathan is a proud native of Logan County, where he resides with his wife, Pamela. Together, they faithfully attend church, drawing strength from their shared faith.

In 1991, he joined the U.S. Navy, serving aboard a submarine tender. However, by 1993, his battle with alcohol addiction led him down a dark path ultimately resulting in incarceration.

For 23 years, Johnathan served his sentence on the U.S. territory island of Guam. It was there that he encountered the life-changing power of forgiveness. A letter from his victim’s mother became the turning point in his journey. In her message, she wrote, “God loves you no matter what you have done. Ask His forgiveness and let Him show you how to use you for His (and your) benefit in these circumstances.”

Those words penetrated Johnathan’s heart, leading him to confront his past, embrace his faith, and work toward becoming the man he was meant to be.

05/18/2026

✨️This week’s Meet Us Monday✨️ Honored to share a little of Teri Castle’s story in her own words. Stories like this are why reentry work matters. We are so grateful to have her on our team. ❤️

My name is Teri Castle, and my life has been shaped by both deep hardship and
incredible transformation. Seventeen years ago, I entered the West Virginia prison
system after receiving a life sentence with mercy. At that time, I was struggling with
addiction, trauma, grief, and the overwhelming guilt of being separated from my young
daughter. Prison forced me to confront the pain and choices that led me there, but it
also became the place where I began rebuilding myself from the inside out.
During my incarceration, I decided to change my life. I immersed myself in therapy,
trauma recovery programs, addiction treatment, and personal growth.
After serving 16 years, I was granted parole in 2021. Since my release, I have remained
committed to sobriety, education, and service. I earned my bachelor’s degree from
Marshall University and am now pursuing my Master of Social Work degree. I currently
work in reentry helping individuals navigate barriers related to housing, employment,
addiction recovery, transportation, and reintegration after incarceration. I am deeply
passionate about criminal legal reform, second chances, and advocating for people
whose voices are often ignored.

05/11/2026

✨ Meet Us Mondays ✨

Each Monday, we’ll be introducing you to the incredible people behind The REACH Initiative and WV Reentry Navigators — the individuals working every day to restore hope, empower change, and help others rebuild their lives.

Today, we are proud to introduce Wesley “Wes” McLean.

Wes brings lived experience, compassion, faith, and dedication to the work he does helping individuals transition back into society. His journey is a powerful reminder that recovery, redemption, and second chances are possible.

We are grateful to have Wes as part of our team and excited for our community to get to know the heart behind the mission. 💙

05/05/2026

MOV Reentry Council and the Workforce Development Board hosted the Reentry Navigator Training equipping mentors with tools to support formerly incarcerated individuals coming out of jail or prison. Guess what... these Navigators are also formerly incarcerated!

In West Virginia, numerous individuals reenter the community daily, often without resources or direction.

Special Thanks to Dr. Jeri Kirby our instructor & Workforce Development Board Mid Ohio Valley for hosting!

Would this program have been beneficial to you in your Reentry Journey!

To get involved join your local WV West Virginia Reentry Councils and get connected!

04/11/2026

In a galaxy where second chances are happening everyday, we invite you to join our team and contribute to our mission.

Your experience, including any past incarceration, is a valuable resource in our efforts to support those reentering society.

We are seeking dedicated folks who have overcome their past and are now leveraging their skills to drive positive change, to help others. 💫

04/08/2026

04/08/2026

This Friday at 10 AM Hybrid

Circles Campaign of the Mid-Ohio Valley, Inc. Will be presenting on the Parkersburg Engagement Project and how Circles is helping aid in overcoming poverty for those in Reentry & Recovery!