Announcements

Oriana House, Inc., in tandem with the Ohio Community Corrections Association, helped spearhead a bill that is now in effect in Ohio, requiring that individuals in community correctional facilities receive assistance in obtaining a state-issued identification card prior to their release.

Ohio House Bill 393 was signed by Governor Mike DeWine and cosponsored by State Representatives Gary Click, Tiffin, and Darnell T. Brewer, Cleveland. Rep. Click credited Oriana House Vice President Jason Varney, for helping get the bill passed. “Obtaining a state ID is a crucial next step to reintegrating into society and reducing recidivism,” said Click. “I am grateful to directors Jason Varney from Oriana House in Tiffin and Craig Shumaker from West Central Community Corrections Facility of Marysville for bringing this need to my attention and supporting this legislation.”

Varney is president of the Ohio Community Corrections Association and vice president of correctional programs in Southeast and North Central Ohio for Oriana House.

Jason Varney, President of the Ohio Community Corrections Association and Oriana House Vice President of Correctional Programs in North Central and Southeast Ohio (center, back) was present for Governor Mike DeWine's signing of House Bill 393.

Under the bill, community based correctional facilities and halfway houses are required to

• provide ID application materials;
• assist clients with gathering required documentation;
• submit applications, photos, and supporting records to the OHIO BMV;
• and begin the process before clients complete programming or are released.

Oriana House’s involvement in state, local, and national professional organizations is one way the agency improves access to resources that criminal-justice impacted individuals and their families need to help facilitate success in reentry.