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No Budget, No Problem: Building Transitional Living Programs for Justice-Involved Individuals
SESSION INFO
Tuesday, March 3, 2026
3:15 PM - 4:45 PM
Session Type: Workshop
In 2023, the Maine Department of Corrections opened its first Transitional Home to support adult males transitioning out of prison, those at risk of incarceration, or experiencing housing instability. This home provides residents with up to six months of rent-free housing, along with access to a dedicated caseworker who helps them navigate job opportunities, secure stable housing, and connect with physical and mental health care — particularly in some of Maine’s most rural communities. Thanks to the use of existing resources and strong community collaboration, Maine successfully expanded the program, opening a second Transitional Home for women in early 2025. The Department’s long-term goal is to replicate this model across the state, fostering a consistent and supportive reentry approach that promotes success for some of Maine’s most vulnerable populations.
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SESSION PRESENTERS
David Cyr
Regional Correctional Manager, Maine Department of Corrections
David currently serves as a Regional Correctional Manager for the Maine Department of Corrections where he manages Leading the Way, a 22-bed Residential Program. Prior to his current position, he was a Probation Officer for a total of 19 years. In addition to his primary duties he serves as a Firearms Instructor, Mechanics of Arrest Restraint and Control (MARC) Instructor, Interactive Use of Force Instructor and is a member of the Fugitive Investigation and Apprehension Team. He holds a Master of Criminal Justice.
Jeffery Vance
Regional Correctional Manager, Maine Department of Corrections
Jeffery Vance currently serves as a Regional Correctional Manager for the Maine Department of Corrections where he manages the probation officers in Washington, Waldo and Hancock Counties. Prior to his current position, he was a Probation Officer for a total of 10 years, with an additional 15 years working in various capacities within the Department at Mountain View and Charleston Correctional Facilities with both Adult and Juvenile residents. In addition to his primary duties, he serves as a Certified Criminal Justice Academy Instructor for the following subjects, gangs and security threat groups, LSI instructor, officer safety/survival and is a member of the Fugitive Investigation and Apprehension Team. He is also currently an adjunct Instructor for Eastern Community College in Bangor.
Amanda Woolford
Director of Women's Services, Maine Department of Corrections
Amanda Woolford is the current Director of Women’s Services for the Maine Department of Corrections. She has also worked as a Unit Manager and Juvenile Probation Officer, over her 20-year correctional career. She is considered a subject matter expert on justice involved women and girls and has spoken and testified nationally on topics that impact women and girls who come in contact with the justice system. She holds a bachelor’s in criminal justice from Northeastern University, and a master’s in criminal justice from Boston University. She also currently serves as an adjunct Professor at Central Maine Community College.
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