Walking in Their Shoes: Reflections on the Re-entry Simulation in Martin County

September 10, 2025

A firsthand look at the barriers faced by individuals returning from incarceration, and the urgent call for community partnership.

On September 9, 2025, I attended the Re-entry Simulation hosted by Trillium in Martin County. What I thought would be a structured exercise quickly became one of the most eye-opening and impactful experiences I have had in understanding the struggles faced by individuals re-entering society after incarceration.


The event began with powerful insights from Judge Regina Parker, Chief District Court Judge for District 2, and Jeron Randall, Reentry Coordinator, who spoke about the systemic challenges justice-involved individuals encounter immediately after release. Their remarks set the tone for the simulation, preparing us for the weight of the choices we would soon face.



I was handed a packet that represented the life of someone just released. In it, I learned whether I had identification, housing, or education, along with a list of my release obligations such as rent, child support, probation check-ins, and mandatory drug screenings. To make things more difficult, I drew a “wild card” that simulated a learning impairment, making it harder to understand key instructions. Others received cards tied to mental health conditions or addiction recovery, each adding another layer of challenge.

The simulation represented a month of life post-incarceration, broken into four weeks. During the first two weeks, I faced impossible choices: do I use my limited money to secure identification so I can eventually apply for work, or do I buy food to survive? With unreliable transportation, I had to decide whether to check in with probation or try to reach social services. There was never enough time, never enough resources, and always the risk of failing one obligation while trying to meet another.


By the final week, I managed to secure a job, finally a glimmer of hope. But just as quickly, it was taken away. I had missed a probation requirement, and despite my efforts, I was sent back into incarceration. The frustration, exhaustion, and sense of defeat in that moment were overwhelming. For me, it was just a simulation. For thousands of people, it is daily life.


As the event closed, we heard from Judge Parker once more, who issued a compelling call to action: that it is not enough to simply be aware of these challenges, but that each of us, as community members, organizations, and leaders, must play an active role in creating fair opportunities and second chances. Her message was clear: real change requires collective responsibility.


Finally, Rubi K. Blancas Orduna, ANDLRC Coordinator, brought everything full circle with a powerful reminder that while the simulation ends after an hour, for returning citizens the struggle continues every single day. Her words underscored the urgent need for stronger community partnerships and sustainable reentry support systems.



Walking away from this experience, I carried a new perspective. The Re-entry Simulation did not just inform me about barriers. It made me feel the crushing weight of them. It revealed how narrow the margin for success truly is and how urgently our communities need to create systems that support, not punish, individuals striving to rebuild their lives.


At Metropolitan, we remain committed to understanding these realities and advocating for systematic, sustainable solutions that provide opportunity, stability, and dignity to all.

Moving Forward Together

Partnerships are essential to breaking down barriers for justice-involved individuals. We are proud to collaborate with A New Direction Local Reentry Council (ANDLRC), our local reentry council, alongside Trillium and other community partners to strengthen the support network available to returning citizens. Together, we can expand access to housing, employment, treatment, and mentorship so that individuals leaving incarceration are not set up to fail, but empowered to succeed.


If you are interested in learning more about re-entry work or joining in this mission, we encourage you to connect with Metropolitan Property Management, Metropolitan Housing & CDC, or the A New Direction Local Reentry Council.


Change is possible when we walk alongside one another.

Authored by:
Karrissa Sutton
Human Resources Specialist, Metropolitan Property Management
Housing Counseling Program Manager, Metropolitan Housing & Community Development Corporation

Empowering Growth Through Partnership: Thank You to SECU Foundation

October 8, 2025
Metropolitan Housing & Community Development Corporation (MHCDC) is honored to announce that we have been awarded a $40,000 Mission Development Grant from the State Employees’ Credit Union (SECU) Foundation. This generous award represents more than just funding, it is an investment in our mission, our people, and the communities we serve. Through the SECU Foundation’s Mission Development Grant Program, MHCDC will have the opportunity to strengthen internal capacity, expand our reach, and continue building sustainable pathways toward housing stability and economic empowerment. The SECU Foundation’s Mission Development Grant Program is designed to provide capacity building assistance to organizations committed to serving North Carolina communities. The grant supports institutional assessments, leadership coaching, and strategic development in key areas essential for growth and long-term impact. Launched as a pilot initiative in April 2017, the program originally provided up to five grants of $40,000 each over a three-year period. Due to its success and the measurable difference it made for participating nonprofits, the program was expanded in 2019 to include up to ten additional grants, and in 2022, it officially became a fundamental element of the Foundation’s ongoing grantmaking. For MHCDC, this award comes at a pivotal moment in our organizational journey. As we continue expanding our housing counseling, community development, and financial literacy programs, this grant will allow us to enhance our internal infrastructure, invest in leadership development, and position our organization for long-term sustainability. We are deeply grateful to the SECU Foundation for its belief in our mission and its commitment to strengthening the nonprofit organizations that serve North Carolina’s communities every day. This partnership reflects not only financial support but also a shared vision for lasting impact. A vision that uplifts people, builds stronger systems, and creates opportunities where they are needed most. From all of us at Metropolitan Housing & Community Development Corporation, thank you to the SECU Foundation for your trust, generosity, and partnership. Your support empowers us to continue our work with renewed purpose and the resources to make a greater difference for the families and communities we serve. Together, we are building stronger systems, stronger leaders, and stronger communities.

Building Foundations: Financial Literacy & Wellness at Beaufort County Community College

September 30, 2025
On Thursday, September 18th and Tuesday, September 23rd, Metropolitan Housing & Community Development Corporation had the privilege of partnering with Beaufort County Community College (BCCC) to bring Financial Literacy and Wellness education directly to GED students. Over two days, Karrissa Sutton, Housing Counseling Program Manager & HUD-Certified Housing Counselor, and Julius Oden, Housing Counselor, led a four-hour class designed to equip students with the knowledge and tools needed to build financial stability and prepare for long-term success.

Welcome to the Metropolitan Blog

September 9, 2025
From Development to Management— Metropolitan Serves with Purpose.