The Power of What Comes Next

The Power of What Comes Next

A second chance opens the door, but what comes next is what defines the future.

This April, North Carolina recognizes Second Chance Month, a time to reflect on what it truly means to rebuild a life.

As proclaimed by Governor Josh Stein, this month highlights the importance of opportunity, support, and the belief that a person’s future can be stronger than their past.

At Carteret Community College, that belief is more than a message, it is a daily commitment.

Through the NCWorks Re-entry Program partnership with the Eastern Carolina Workforce Development Board the College is walking alongside individuals who are no longer incarcerated but are now stepping into a new chapter defined by education, stability, and purpose. For these students, re-entry is not just about returning home. It is about learning how to move forward.

And helping guide that journey is someone who understands just how important that support can be.

Her name is Liz Hubbard.

Walking With Students Every Step of the Way

Liz doesn’t just work in re-entry. She builds relationships.

Before joining Carteret Community College, she worked as a Probation and Parole Officer, where she saw how difficult it could be for individuals to navigate life after incarceration. Many wanted to succeed but were overwhelmed by barriers — housing, transportation, employment, and access to basic resources.

Those experiences shaped how she approaches her work today.

 Now, as a Case Manager for the NCWorks Re-entry Program, Liz helps individuals map out what their next chapter can look like. Some come in unsure of where to start. Others are ready but need direction. All of them are looking for a way forward.

Her role is to help make that path clearer.

From meeting clients in treatment centers or through probation referrals, to sitting down one-on-one to develop a plan, Liz is there through every step, helping connect students to resources, enroll in programs, and prepare for the workforce.

But beyond the logistics, what she offers is something just as important — consistency.

“Seeing someone begin to believe in themselves again is everything,” she said.

Rebuilding After Release

For individuals returning to the community, the challenges don’t end when incarceration does.

In many ways, they are just beginning.

Securing stable housing, finding reliable transportation, reentering the workforce, and continuing education all require support — and without it, progress can feel out of reach.

That’s why the Carteret Local Re-Entry Council, in partnership with Carteret Community College, plays such an important role in the community.

The program focuses on helping individuals rebuild stability, not just for the short term, but for the long run.

That includes:

• connecting students to essential services like housing and recovery support
• preparing them for employment through resumes and interview coaching
• helping them enroll in education and training programs that lead to real careers

This approach recognizes something simple but powerful:

People don’t succeed alone.

They succeed when they have access, guidance, and someone in their corner.

And that work continues to grow.

As Terrell Henry, Reentry Coordinator, explains, the focus is not only on what exists today, but on expanding support to meet the evolving needs of those reentering the community.

“Currently we are partnering with local recovery-based providers such as Southeastern Integrated Care and Miriam to provide workforce coaching in addition to our in-reach process at the Newport Prison,” he said. “We look forward to expanding these services and supports to meet the needs of those that are justice-impacted and in recovery.”

A College Committed to Opportunity

At Carteret CC, this work reflects something bigger than any single program. It reflects who the College is.

As Dr. Tracy Mancini, President of Carteret Community College, explains, re-entry efforts are not separate from the College’s mission. They are a direct extension of it.

“We are an open-door institution,” she said. “We are here to serve and empower our students and our community, especially those who have faced barriers to education and opportunity.”

She describes re-entry programs as a “win-win-win,” benefiting individuals, employers, and the community as a whole.

“These programs create pathways to stability and economic mobility for individuals and their families, while also helping to build a skilled workforce and strengthen our communities.”

That philosophy shapes how Carteret CC shows up for its students.

It’s not just about access. It’s about creating an environment where individuals feel supported, challenged, and capable of succeeding.

As Dr. Mancini often says:

“We aim to be some people’s best first choice and others’ best second chance.”

From Students to Skilled Professionals

The NCWorks Re-entry Program is not just about access — it’s about outcomes.

Students are entering programs that lead directly to employment in fields such as:

• HVAC
• Welding
• CDL
• Construction
• Human Services
• Barbering
• GED completion

These programs provide more than training. They provide direction.

Since the program began just over two years ago:

• 128 individuals have gained employment
• 37 have earned workforce certifications
• 2 have completed associate degrees
• 8 are preparing to graduate in May 2026

For Perry Harker, Vice President of Workforce Continuing Education, the impact is reflected not only in student success, but in what it means for the community.

“Employers across our region are facing real workforce shortages,” he said. “At the same time, we have individuals who are ready to work and looking for an opportunity. Programs like this help bridge that gap.”

He emphasized that re-entry education is not just about helping individuals move forward — it’s about building a stronger, more connected local workforce.

“These students are capable, motivated, and when given the chance, they become valuable contributors to our workforce and our community.”

Real Lives, Real Change

Behind every number is a story.

One of those stories is Matt Williams.

Matt began with only an eighth-grade education. Within weeks, he earned his GED — and kept going. Today, he is preparing to graduate with an associate degree in Business Administration and has been accepted into an accelerated MBA program. He is also working as a Peer Support Specialist and has regained custody of his daughter.

His journey reflects what can happen when someone is given the tools — and the support — to keep moving forward.

Liz has seen that kind of transformation in many forms.

She shared the story of two former clients who are now married, raising a child together, and building a life centered on stability and purpose. Both are graduating this spring and working in roles that allow them to help others navigate recovery and re-entry.

These moments go beyond success — they represent lasting change.

Why It Matters for All of Us

Re-entry programs don’t just impact individuals — they shape communities.

When someone finds stable employment, reconnects with their family, and builds a sustainable future, the benefits extend outward.

Employers gain dedicated workers.
Families gain stability.
Communities grow stronger.

Dr. Mancini emphasized that the College has seen a growing network of local employers step forward — with more than 70 businesses willing to interview and potentially hire justice-involved individuals.

“That level of engagement shows what’s possible when a community comes together,” she said. “These individuals are capable, motivated, and ready to contribute when given the opportunity.”

She also noted that re-entry programs help connect two important needs — individuals seeking a fresh start and employers seeking reliable talent.

When those connections are made, everyone benefits.

Looking Ahead: More Stories to Come

This article is just the beginning.

Throughout Second Chance Month, Carteret Community College will continue to highlight the students who are part of this program, individuals who are actively building new futures for themselves and their families.

In the coming weeks, we will share the stories of eight students who are currently enrolled, each with their own journey, their own challenges, and their own determination to succeed.

Their stories will show what happens when support meets effort.
When education meets opportunity.
And when someone is given the chance to start again.

And for anyone who may be walking that path right now, Liz offers this reminder:

“Your past is only part of your story — not the end of it. Keep moving forward. Don’t give up.”

Because at Carteret Community College, second chances are not just possible.

They are happening every day.

And as Perry Harker puts it:

“When we invest in people, we don’t just change individual lives — we strengthen the future of our entire community.”