On March 4, 2026, the Ohio Community Corrections Association (OCCA) hosted its annual Advocacy Day at the Ohio Statehouse, bringing together leaders from member halfway houses and community-based correctional facilities (CBCFs) for a day of meaningful engagement with policymakers. Throughout the day, OCCA members participated in individual and small group meetings with legislators and their staff, collectively connecting with representatives from nearly half of Ohio’s legislative districts. These conversations focused on increasing awareness of the vital role halfway houses and CBCFs play in the corrections continuum, highlighting their impact on public safety, successful reentry, and helping justice-involved individuals build healthier, more productive lives.
The day concluded with OCCA’s annual legislative reception, which provided an opportunity for continued dialogue in a more informal setting. Attendees heard remarks from Ohio House Public Safety Committee Chair Representative Cindy Abrams and Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction Director Annette Chambers-Smith, both of whom emphasized the importance of community corrections in strengthening Ohio’s justice system. The reception also allowed OCCA members to build and deepen relationships with legislators, legislative staff, and state agency leaders, reinforcing a shared commitment to effective, evidence-based approaches that support reentry and enhance public safety across Ohio.
