2026 Statewide Returning Citizens Summit NJ
About this Event
State-Wide Returning Citizens Summit 2026
SHIFTING POWER:
Transforming Communities Through Collective Leadership
Join us for the Second Annual State-Wide Returning Citizens Summit, a powerful day dedicated to empowerment, healing, leadership, and opportunity for justice-impacted individuals, families, advocates, service providers, and community stakeholders from across New Jersey.
Hosted by The Freedom Planner and the Mercer County Reentry Coalition (MCRC), this year's summit will bring together returning citizens, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, employers, community leaders, and families to explore solutions that strengthen communities and support successful reintegration.
Whether you are currently navigating reentry, supporting a loved one, working in the field, or simply committed to building stronger communities, this summit offers valuable resources, meaningful connections, and opportunities for growth.
Event Details
📅 Thursday, September 17, 2026
🕘 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
📍 Mercer County Community College – James Kerney Campus (JKC)
102 North Broad Street
Trenton, NJ 08608
Featured National Speaker
Shelia Bruno
Founder of Wife After Pr*son
Presenting:
The Second Sentence: Workshop
Shelia Bruno is a nationally recognized advocate, author, speaker, and founder of Wife After Pr*son. Her powerful workshop explores the emotional, psychological, and social effects of incarceration on individuals and families while providing practical strategies for healing, restoration, and successful reintegration.
Summit Highlights
• Expungement Clinic
• Warrant Recalls (Trenton Municipal Courts)
• ID Services
• Professional Headshots (Returning Citizens Only)
• State-Wide Social Service Providers
• Community Resources and Networking
• Employment and Career Resources
• Justice-Impacted Family Support Services
• Youth and Juvenile Reentry Resources
• Giveaways and Resource Materials
• Interactive Breakout Sessions
Resource Fair
Connect directly with nonprofit organizations, government agencies, educational institutions, employers, legal services, healthcare professionals, and community organizations from throughout New Jersey.
Why Attend?
✔ Learn about available resources and services
✔ Build relationships with community leaders and service providers
✔ Gain practical tools for personal and professional success
✔ Connect with other returning citizens and others who understand the reentry journey
✔ Discover opportunities for employment, education, housing, and advancement
✔ Be inspired by stories of resilience, leadership, and transformation
Sponsors, Resource Partners & Vendors Welcome
As a coalition-supported event, the success of this summit depends upon the collective commitment and partnership of our members. Many of our organizations already contribute through staff time, expertise, resources, and direct service to the individuals we serve. To help offset summit expenses and ensure the event remains accessible to attendees, we are also inviting organizations that are able to do so to make a support contribution.
Suggested contribution levels are outlined below and are intended to help sustain the event while encouraging broad participation across our network. Participation is welcomed and valued regardless of contribution level.
Mercer County Reentry Coalition & Community Partner Organizations – Suggested Support Contribution: $100
Returning Citizen-Owned Businesses – Suggested Support Contribution: $50
Corporate & Non-Member Organizations – Suggested Support Contribution: $200
Participating organizations will receive:
• A dedicated resource and networking table
• Recognition in summit materials and event communications
• Opportunities to connect directly with attendees, families, and stakeholders
• Increased visibility for programs, services, and community initiatives
Most importantly, your support helps ensure that this statewide summit remains accessible, impactful, and responsive to the needs of the individuals and families we collectively serve.
Participation is welcomed regardless of contribution level; however, organizations are encouraged to invest in this shared vision as we work together to expand opportunities, strengthen communities, and support successful reintegration throughout New Jersey.
If your organization plans to participate, please complete the registration form and select the contribution level that best aligns with your organization.
If you work with returning citizen entrepreneurs or justice-impacted business owners, we encourage you to share this opportunity with them as well.
Thank you for your partnership, leadership, and commitment to advancing reentry efforts throughout New Jersey.
Together, we can shift power, transform communities, and create pathways to lasting success.
🎟️ 2026 Returning Citizens Summit
Hosted by The Freedom Planner & Mercer County Reentry Coalition
Theme: “SHIFTING POWER” Transforming Communities Through Collective Leadership
The Returning Citizens Summit is a statewide convening dedicated to advancing opportunity, equity, and resources for justice-impacted individuals, families, and communities.
This year’s summit—“SHIFTING POWER”—brings together community organizations, service providers, advocates, and leaders committed to building pathways forward through collaboration, education, and access to critical resources.
Throughout the day, attendees will engage in meaningful dialogue, connect with essential service providers, and participate in solution-driven conversations focused on reentry, empowerment, and long-term stability.
We are excited to welcome vendors, partners, and contributors who are helping make this work possible. Your participation directly supports the mission of expanding access and strengthening community impact.
2026 NJ Returning Citizens Summit – Partner/Vendor/Table Contribution Form:
💳 Contribution Information
If you have not yet completed your payment, please do so here:
👉 https://pay.bluevine.com/p/0666b7444f4b4b76bff56a90b3650154
Please include your Organization Name in the payment note so we can properly match your registration. Registration is not fully confirmed until payment is received.
📌 Event Details
- Tentative agenda will be posted on this Eventbrite page as the event approaches
- Reserved provider parking requests must be emailed in advance
📩 Parking Requests: (For Service Providers, Speakers, Vendors Only)
[email protected]
Subject: SUMMIT SERVICE PROVIDER PARKING – Organization Name – Number of Spaces (up to 2)
📩 Contact & Support
For questions or updates, please refer to the Eventbrite FAQ section, which will be updated regularly.
Direct inquiries:
[email protected]
We look forward to welcoming you to a powerful day of connection, collaboration, and community impact.
~ The Freedom Planner & MCRC
VOLUNTEER
Volunteer Form: https://forms.gle/tfXM2FVW7qrb866m8
SUMMIT AGENDA COMING SOON!
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
USD 0.00
