How does less crime in our community sound? The Summit County Reentry Network (SCRN) is working hard toward making this not just a dream, but reality.

"America has a very high arrest and incarceration rate. We need to work with the people who are coming back home (from jail/prison)," said Summit County Reentry Coordinator Terry Tribe-Johnson.

"Our current governor has talked about how by December 2011 there is going to be a lot more low level offenders, many who've been incarcerated for nine months average, who are going to be released. They will need support and services or it's going to be a revolving door," she continued.

Could ex-offenders be the key to stimulating growth and stability in our economy? According to the Summit County Reentry Network (SCRN), ex-offenders may just have what it takes.

Through collaboration, the SCRN is working to reduce the percentage of ex-offenders who return to crime (recidivate). At the same time, they are enhancing community safety and promoting family reunification.

Having ex-offenders re-enter society and become productive citizens could create major changes in our city, and world, as we know it. These people need jobs and a second chance. Once ex-offenders become employed, they will contribute to the economy through taxes and the purchase of goods and services, along with paying off their child support, court fees and fines.