"To the outsider or newcomer, Athens, Ohio, is a quaint, rural, college town that values supporting local business, farmers and education. What is often overlooked in this county, however, is the population re-entering society from the criminal-justice system.
It’s no secret that formerly incarcerated individuals face several challenges when they are being released from prison/jail. According to current literature, most formerly incarcerated individuals struggle with obtaining employment, housing and reliable transportation. Now, consider living in an area with limited public transportation, a smaller job market and fewer reliable and affordable housing options. The challenges that formerly incarcerated individuals face in rural areas are thus further exacerbated. "