UCAN’s Legacy & Land Reentry Program
Our mission with this iniative is to mentor previously incarcerated individuals toward meaningful, sustainable employment in agriculture and skilled trades, through a tiered system of skill-building, mentorship, and holistic support.
Current Program Updates
Nina Drumgoole,
UCAN Reentry Program Manager
Led by Nina Drumgoole, this program is currently in its development phase.
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- Define program model: goals, services, outcomes, and eligibility - Finalize core documents (SOPs, forms, handbook, directory) - Secure partnerships (housing, training, support services)
- Create MOUs or referral agreements
- Identify and train staff/volunteers
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- Establish intake and referral system
- Build participant intake and needs assessment forms
- Develop training schedule and curriculum
- Set up a tracking system (Excel, Airtable, etc.)
- Build templates for progress and outcome tracking
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- Launch community outreach and info sharing
- Create flyers, email templates, and referral forms
- Begin accepting referrals and scheduling intakes
- Host orientation and enroll 8–12 participants
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- Begin training, case management, and job readiness sessions - Coordinate support services: housing, transportation, etc.
- Monitor participant progress via regular check-ins
- Collect feedback and adjust programming as needed
- Track metrics and prepare outcome reports
Join us for UCAN’s Reentry Program Convening. This gathering will bring together community members and partners to share, collaborate, and explore ways to strengthen reentry support in our communities.
Lunch will be provided.
Registration is required.
Expanding Opportunities Through Collaboration: 2.2 Acres Cleared for Reentry & Agriculture
We’re excited to announce the completion of our Collaborative Agricultural Project with the Eno River Association and Friends of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail!
Thanks to a dedicated team of 27 volunteer sawyers and swampers, 2.2 acres have been cleared to support our reentry program and expand sustainable agriculture at the farm.
We’re deeply grateful for this powerful partnership—your hard work brings us closer to a healthier, more equitable future.
Legacy & Land Reentry Program
Tier 1: Seed Stage (6-Month Program)
Focus: Rapid employment, hands-on skill development, reentry stabilization.
Objective: Equip participants with foundational agricultural and landscaping skills to secure employment within 4–6 months.
Key Features:
● Basic job training in farming, landscaping, and nursery work.
● Resume support, interview prep, and immediate job placement partnerships.
● Bi-Weekly workforce readiness classes.
● Transportation assistance.
● Access to mental health and legal aid services.
● Regular attendance and progress tracking via timesheets.
Outcome: Fast-track to employment ($15+/hr target); eligible to move into Tier 2.
Tier 2: Cultivation Phase (1-Year Program)
Focus: Skill mastery + deeper engagement + personal growth.
Objective: Build on Tier 1 with expanded technical training and professional development.
Key Features:
● Rotational learning (farm work, landscaping, nursery operations, arboriculture).
● Financial literacy, entrepreneurship basics, and leadership development.
● Access to community college or certificate programs (optional).
● Speakers and alumni success panels to present options and inspire.
● Continued support services (housing, counseling, etc.).
● Storytelling & journaling: Tell your story, track your growth.
Outcome: Career clarity, professional growth, and potential to become a peer leader or enter Tier 3.
Tier 3: Legacy Track (3-Year Program)
Focus: Long-term career investment, leadership, and self-sufficiency.
Objective: Transform participants into agricultural entrepreneurs or senior skilled laborers.
Key Features:
● Business plan creation (each participant develops their own).
● Apprenticeships, internships, or land access for farming initiatives.
● SOP training tailored to their path (farm ownership, crew management, etc.).
● Annual alumni & networking meetings; public speaking & testimony sharing.
● Long-term mentorship and leadership roles within the UCAN network.
Outcome: Fully employed, skilled professionals—landowners, entrepreneurs, or workforce leaders.
Additional Program Elements
● Graduation & Transition: Participants may graduate through tiers; reentry only possible annually if exited early.
● Legal Considerations: Disclaimer + employment application revamp (remove marital status).
● Evaluation: End-of-program surveys + completion reports for all tiers.
● Partnership Models: Collaborate with TLC, Step-Up Durham, Caring Farm, and local employers.