The Kenai Peninsula Re-Entry Coalition is giving residents of the central peninsula the opportunity to experience what it’s like to reenter society after being incarcerated. The group is hosting a Re-Entry Simulation on Saturday, April 2 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Kenai Mall.

Re-Entry Case Manager Katie Cowgill said Wednesday during a presentation to the Kenai City Council that the event, intended for community leaders, is meant to highlight services the coalition provides for people looking to reenter the community and to help others understand the barriers that can stand in the way.

“Think of it as a large-scale roleplay activity,” Cowgill said Wednesday.

Upon arrival at the event, participants will be assigned a persona and criminal history and then interact as that person. That may mean navigating parole or probation restrictions or seeking services from simulated vendors or social service agencies.

“This is meant to showcase what it actually looks like for someone who has a specific criminal history or a lack of resources and the barriers that they see in complying with probation and parole,” Cowgill said.

Cowgill urged during her presentation Wednesday that city council members attend the April event as a way to begin breaking down barriers that formerly incarcerated persons face when it comes to housing and employment.

“While programming and social services exist, knowing how to navigate those services is one of the greatest challenges our re-entrants face when they leave jail or prison,” the event invite says. “Physical barriers can make it difficult to maintain connections with services and programs long-term.”

People interested in participating in the event are encouraged to RSVP in advance and can reach out to Cowgill at kprc.simulation@gmail.com. More information about the Kenai Peninsula Re-Entry Coalition can be found at kpreentry.org.

Reach reporter Ashlyn O’Hara at ashlyn.ohara@peninsulaclarion.com.

Kenai Peninsula Re-Entry Coalition President Katie Cowgill speaks about the organization’s reentry simulation event during a meeting of the Kenai City Council on Wednesday, March 16, 2022 in Kenai, Alaska. (Ashlyn O’Hara/Peninsula Clarion)