Cambria County, PA
Cambria County Adult Probation & Parole
pennsylvania
Rural | Population: 130,668Launched in 2023, Bridging the Gap is an innovative reentry initiative led by Cambria County Adult Probation and Parole through support from the COSSUP grant. Located in the heart of southwest-central Pennsylvania, the program addresses critical service gaps in recovery housing, sustainable employment, and data-informed service delivery. Designed to support individuals incarcerated in the county jail, those reentering the community, and those under community supervision, the initiative provides comprehensive transitional supports that promote long-term recovery, stability, and reduced recidivism.
At the program's core is a full-time Reentry Coordinator who facilitates services in collaboration with community partners such as FAVOR Laurel Highlands, Goodwill of the Southern Alleghenies, and local landlords. Participants receive person-centered recovery planning, forensic peer mentoring, transitional housing support, and access to workforce development opportunities through Goodwill’s reSTARt program. This robust network of care ensures that individuals are connected with the resources they need to overcome barriers, secure employment, and sustain recovery.
“This program is a new way of life, a second chance to get it right—and a blessing.”
—program participant
13
participants added to the program from feb to may 2025
The program has gained momentum through sustained collaboration and community networking. To sustain its growth and impact, Bridging the Gap is committed to strengthening its data collection infrastructure to better demonstrate outcomes and inform future funding efforts. Cambria County is creating a reentry model that fosters stability, accountability, and meaningful second chances through this coordinated approach.
Key Components of the Program
Reentry Services & Discharge Planning
The Bridging the Gap initiative in Cambria County provides a robust reentry services and discharge planning framework designed to support individuals transitioning from incarceration back into the community. Through strong partnerships with local organizations such as Goodwill of the Southern Alleghenies and FAVOR Laurel Highlands, the program offers various supports tailored to each participant’s recovery and reintegration needs. To date, 17 individuals have been connected to FAVOR Laurel Highlands and Goodwill for comprehensive recovery services, which include one-on-one meetings with Certified Recovery Specialists, mutual aid support groups, sober social events, and financial literacy education.
23
individuals connected to community partners for comprehensive recovery services
Referrals into the program primarily come through correctional counselors or by word of mouth from other participants, and program staff are actively working with probation officers and other professionals to increase awareness and referrals. Forty-five individuals have already been screened for participation in Bridging the Gap, with new outreach efforts helping to steadily grow enrollment. From February to May 2025, 8 new participants have been added to the program. Staff point to one participant who is now entering paid work experience through a partnership with Goodwill as a reflection of the program’s progress in linking reentry support with meaningful employment. As part of its commitment to measuring success and driving improvement, the program will begin administering surveys at entry and completion to track participant outcomes and inform service enhancements. This comprehensive approach ensures that participants receive immediate support and long-term resources necessary for successful reintegration.
Recovery Housing and Transportation
1,543
days of stable living arrangements provided for individuals reentering the community
As part of the Bridging the Gap initiative, Cambria County has prioritized recovery housing and transportation assistance as critical components of successful reentry. The program has significantly increased access to transitional housing, providing 1,404 days of stable living arrangements for individuals reentering the community. With two active contracts, five transitional housing beds are available to support participants as they rebuild their lives post-incarceration. These housing opportunities are strategically paired with wraparound services, including case management and recovery support, to help individuals stabilize and progress toward long-term recovery.
8
transitional housing beds available to support participants in rebuilding their lives post-incarceration
To further reduce barriers to success, the program offers transportation assistance through bus passes, helping participants access treatment, employment, and community resources. Recovery housing is closely linked to Goodwill of Southern Alleghenies’ employment-focused reentry program, reSTARt, which provides education, career readiness, job placement, and paid work experiences. These supports ensure that meaningful opportunities for self-sufficiency complement housing stability. Ongoing coordination with local landlords and a recent review of the jail’s referral process reflects the program’s proactive commitment to identifying eligible and appropriate candidates and ensuring housing resources are used effectively. Through these combined efforts, the program enhances community safety and well-being through reduced recidivism.
System Collaboration
Cambria County’s initiative is grounded in strong collaboration, successfully aligning community partners to support recovery housing and case management upon reentry. The program exceeded expectations by gaining immediate and enthusiastic support from county commissioners, creating a solid foundation for implementation. The initiative has expanded access to peer support and employment services through strategic partnerships with organizations such as FAVOR Laurel Highlands, a peer-run recovery center, and Goodwill of Southern Alleghenies. Participation in housing consortium meetings and regular involvement with the Criminal Justice Advisory Board have helped the program identify new housing opportunities and ensure system-wide alignment in support of recovery and reintegration goals.
Community Partners
Cambria County Adult Probation and Parole
Goodwill of the Southern Alleghenies
FAVOR Laurel Highlands
Local landlords
Program Outcomes
Since its inception, the program has achieved significant milestones:
Successfully expanded enrollment in both Bridging the Gap and transitional housing programs, increasing access to stable recovery-focused living environments.
Established a strong, collaborative network of community partners dedicated to improving reentry, housing, and recovery outcomes.
Supported several individuals in progressing from transitional housing to independent living, marking key steps toward long-term stability and self-sufficiency.
Project Director
Corey Hale, Deputy Chief Probation Officer
Cambria County Adult Probation & Parole
chale@co.cambria.pa.us
814-472-4410
This project was supported by Grant No. 15PBJA23GK02258COAP awarded by the Bureau of Justice Assistance. The Bureau of Justice Assistance is a component of the Department of Justice's Office of Justice Programs, which also includes the Bureau of Justice Statistics, the National Institute of Justice, the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, the Office for Victims of Crime, and the SMART Office. Points of view or opinions in this document are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice.