In honor of National Second Chance Month, I’ve decided to spotlight Assata Thomas, the Executive Director of the Mayor’s Office of Reentry Partnerships (ORP), whose leadership and lived experience reshaped the reentry landscape in Philadelphia.
Since stepping into her role in August 2022, Thomas has propelled the office to new heights by reinstating direct services, expanding workforce development programs, and organizing record clearing clinics to reduce barriers for justice-impacted individuals.
Her mission is clear: empower returning citizens and reduce recidivism through support, resources, and opportunity.
Philadelphia sees an average of 25,000 people returning home each year from local, state, and federal incarceration. With an estimated 20% of Philadelphians holding a criminal record, the need for comprehensive, community-centered reentry services is urgent—and ORP is leading the charge.
Thomas brings over two decades of social service experience, beginning her career as a Corrections Officer in New Jersey, where she made history as the first female President of the state’s Corrections Officers Training Academy. She holds a B.A. with honors from Rutgers University in Africana and Urban Studies and a Master’s in Restorative Justice from the Vermont Law and Graduate School.
Under her leadership, ORP has launched innovative economy-building initiatives, including a partnership with Temple University’s Fox School of Business to provide entrepreneurship training for ORP participants.
On April 30, ORP will co-host a reentry-focused hiring fair with Temple University, and has additional events planned throughout the month. Workforce development programs include CDL-A training and, in partnership with Uplift Solutions, access to CDL-B and HVAC certification programs.
Thomas also oversees the Philadelphia Reentry Coalition, the development of ORP’s Juvenile Reentry Program, and the expansion of Neighborhood Resource Centers (NRCs), reentry focused community hubs offering direct support services. The city’s first NRC, at Uplift Solutions (2221 W. Venango St.), officially opened its doors on Oct. 9, 2024.
A faithful, credible messenger, Thomas connects with the community by drawing from her justice-impacted past. Her journey fuels her empathy and purpose in the work she leads.
If you or someone you know could benefit from ORP’s services, visit the office at 1425 Arch Street, 1st Floor, visit phila.gov/reentry, or call 215-683-3370.
Teresa M. Lundy is the principal and founder of TML Communications, the award-winning strategic public relations, crisis communications, and community engagement firm serving corporations, nonprofit organizations, and government agencies. Follow Teresa on Twitter @TeresaMLundy.
