Reentry Realities: Book Launch, Film Screening, and Reception
Friday, Oct. 21, 2022 | 6-8 p.m.
McQuade Law Auditorium
Former Ohio inmate Larry Dean Thompson shares his journey to develop, teach, and publish a reentry curriculum that helps those released out of prison reintegrate into society during this book launch of "Reentry Realities." This event will include remarks by fourth-year student Mark Hanusz of Hanusz Publishing, Judge Jack Zouhary of the United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio, and Larry himself. The event will also feature the first public screening of "Reentry Realities, Hope Deferred," a documentary directed by UToledo Professor Holly Hey which centers on Larry’s journey and his relationship with his reentry mentor, Joe Hoeflinger of Sylvania, Ohio. This event intends to provoke discussions around our judicial system, rehabilitation, relationships across walls, and Larry’s work on reentry.
A book sale and signing, along with reception with refreshments, will follow in the Forum. All sale proceeds from the book launch will be donated to the Reentry Coalition of Northwest Ohio.
event highlights
- Remarks from Mark Hanusz, Judge Jack Zouhary, and Larry Thompson
- Screening of "Reentry Realities, Hope Deferred" (25 minute documentary)
- Book sale and signing
- Reception with light refreshments
About the book
"Reentry Realities" is a combination of experience, education and revelation into the root causes of incarceration and serves as a survival guide for those who are preparing to reintegrate into society as free men and women. It shows how to transform oneself and how to build bridges rather than burn them. The book also provides mechanisms for coping with the spiritual, mental, emotional and physical aspects of release in order to hit the ground running.
Written over a period of five years while the author was incarcerated in a state penitentiary, "Reentry Realities" employs faith, reason, empathy, personal anecdotes and old-fashioned storytelling to illuminate a path on the other side of the razor wire. It covers all stages from preparing to reenter, acclimating and finally reintegrating by developing a support system of mentors, family and community to get back on the right track – and stay there – as productive members of society.
About the Author
Larry Dean Thompson was incarcerated on four occasions for a total of 28 years. He tried (and failed) three times to reintegrate during an era where the challenges that ex-felons face upon reentry were not clearly understood. Larry earned an associate's degree from Ashland University, a bachelor's certification from Grace Ministries Bible College and graduated from a state-certified counselors training program. He was released in April 2022 and has dedicated his life to being successful – and helping others be successful – in reintegration. "Reentry Realities" is his first book and he can be contacted at ldt@larrythompson.net.
Sponsors
Parking
McQuade Law Auditorium is on the main level of the Law Center — located at 1825 West Rocket Drive, immediately inside the UToledo West Entrance off of Secor Road and south of Bancroft Street. Free guest parking is available in Parking Areas 12 and 12S, the lot adjacent to the law school, with no ticketing except for metered, reserved or handicap spaces.