A conference aimed at helping ex-prison inmates from returning to lives behind bars is being held this week at Lake of the Ozarks. More than 200 participants are expected to take part in what is billed as the Missouri Re-Entry Conference.

Brian Hauswirth with the State Department of Corrections says this summit will feature speakers and workshops related to community and family re-engagement programs, housing issues, faith-based support, and job skills training, which is especially important in cutting down the recidivism rate.

Similar gatherings have been held in recent months in the Kansas City and St. Louis areas. Missouri Supreme Court Judge Michael Wolff will deliver the keynote address at this week’s three-day conference, which gets underway Tuesday.

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