Announcements
Oriana House Had Center Stage Moments at ICJA Conference
The involvement of Oriana House in professional justice organizations at state, national, and international levels continues to provide opportunities for the agency and its staff to excel and lead.
In early September the International Community Justice Association (ICJA) held its annual Research Conference in Columbus. Mike Randle, Oriana House Executive Vice President of Operations, is the President of the ICJA Board of Directors, and he along with several other staff attended and participated in the conference.
Mike Randle (center) with the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction Honor Guard.
The Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction State Honor Guard performed the opening ceremony for the conference with the presentation of the colors.
The ICJA Conference includes acclaimed speakers, an awards ceremony, and multiple workshops that offer insight and education on what’s new and effective in community justice. This year, Alex Harper, Oriana House Vocation Education Instructor, was a celebrated and active part of the conference in multiple ways.
Alex Harper accepting ICJA Emerging Leader Award and with other 2026 ICJA Award recipients.
During the awards luncheon, ICJA presented Harper with the 2026 ICJA Emerging Leader Award, recognizing his passion, innovation, and contributions to individuals who are reentering society following imprisonment.
Harper also presented two of the conference’s workshops. The first workshop was “Using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to Counter Post-Incarceration Syndrome” where participants explored how Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), a powerful mindfulness-based behavioral approach, can transform the way individuals relate to trauma, internal barriers, and life after incarceration.
The second workshop Harper led was “Trigger Management for Us and Them,” a session that describes post incarceration syndrome and the profound ways it shapes mental health, decision-making, and daily life for individuals returning home after incarceration. In the workshop Harper blended lived experience with research-informed insight to offer strategies for recognizing triggers and managing responses.
ICJA operates with a vision to change the public perception of justice-involved individuals, end the overuse of incarceration and correctional supervision, and achieve a more just society.