Georgetown, Del. — La Red Health Center is seeking $1 million in federal funding to grow its Rural Re-Entry Program, which helps incarcerated and recently released individuals reintegrate into the community. As the center awaits a decision in Washington, staff say local support remains critical to sustaining the program. Run by a single case manager, the initiative connects returning citizens with medical care, job training, housing, and transportation—services that are often difficult to access after release. Program coordinator Andrea Perez currently manages more than 100 active referrals and works with community partners to ensure individuals have support in place before they return home.
Perez says the demand has steadily increased and the workload has reached a breaking point. Without additional resources, the program cannot expand its reach or maintain consistent support for clients. Staff also emphasize the importance of educating returning individuals about their health needs and providing basic care during outreach efforts. The proposed funding would help La Red hire more personnel and strengthen partnerships with local organizations already providing frontline services. While the decision on federal appropriations is still pending, La Red officials say it’s clear the program fills a major gap in Sussex County’s re-entry system. The center is urging the community to stay engaged and advocate for sustainable investments that support long-term public health and safety outcomes.
