By: Walter Simpkins, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of The Kintock Group

Reentry in New Jersey is not always easy for justice-involved individuals – it can be complex, with many barriers to overcome and unique challenges, especially when it comes to navigation and support. Organizations that specialize in reentry services and support like us here at The Kintock Group try to help individuals address their unique challenges and overcome barriers – no matter how layered or complex they may be.

When Mr. Williams* from Essex County was released from prison, employment was at the forefront of his mind. He arrived at our Vantage Point Job Opportunities for Building Success (JOBS) program last October looking to receive assistance with employment placement and possibly pursuing additional job skills training. He was initially interested in CDL training, but after considering his options, our staff helped him pivot, set employment goals and chart a path towards stable employment.

“Vantage Point in Newark played a big role in helping me get back on my feet,” he explains. “They guided me through job search, gave me real support, and connected me with the right opportunity. The Kintock team really cares, and it shows in the way they help people move forward.”

Serving approximately 1,500+ justice-involved individuals like Mr. Williams across New Jersey daily, Kintock serves as a one-stop shop for quality, evidence-based reentry programs designed to reduce recidivism, encourage self-sufficiency and prepare individuals to reenter the community as productive members of society. At the core of our reentry programming is the desire to connect individuals with the personalized services and supports they uniquely need to ensure favorable outcomes and long-term success.

At Kintock, our staff make all the different – our reentry services are guided by a team of nearly 400 highly qualified professional employees who place great value on building trust, fostering independence and sustained success in each client. The guidance provided by our staff is invaluable and such a differentiator. By building trust and establishing connections, we are actively working to ensure the long-term, sustained success of our clients who would otherwise be at risk of re-offense and continue a cycle of incarceration.

Through our Vantage Point Program specifically, Kintock works to remove all barriers to reentry by offering stable, professional support and navigational guidance on a number of fronts – from housing, education and employment services to mental health, substance use support and more. As of December 2025, the Vantage Point Program has served more than 2,750 clients across 16 New Jersey counties who are on State Parole, county probation or were recently released from incarceration with no remaining legal obligations – each of them voluntarily enrolling in the program.

Kintock has made great strides in recent years to expand our Vantage Point office locations and mobile units throughout the state of New Jersey – increasing the accessibility and availability of reentry services to even more individuals exiting the criminal justice system. Our flagship Vantage Point office locations in Newark and Paterson continue to serve individuals from all parts of the state. In 2025, we proudly opened a new office location in Vineland, to better serve the southern part of our state and ensure these residents had access to critical reentry services. This year, we are close to opening a fourth Vantage Point office location Trenton – allowing us to serve even more justice-involved individuals, while also expanding our reach into even more communities throughout the state.

When evaluating outcomes of our Vantage Point clients, it is clear that the program and our employees are making a clear, positive impact:

• 2,147 clients have received Employment Readiness Services through the program.
• 1,491 clients received transportation services.
• 784 clients secured employment.
• 638 clients received mobile device support.
• 360 clients received meals and clothing.
• 197 clients enrolled in vocational school with tuition assistance.
• 196 clients received quality health and wellness support.
• 163 clients received assistance procuring an ID.

While statistics can tell one side of the story, it is much more powerful and impactful to hear directly from the individuals we serve – those who have benefited from the support and stability our reentry programs provide daily:

• Muñoz* from Passaic County was unemployed when he first heard about the Vantage Point Program. He enrolled himself in the program, and was interested in obtaining a CDL license. He completed his CDL training in the summer of 2025 and secured permanent employment that fall: “I made life-changing moves to a life that I wanted. I am now able to support myself the way I want, and I am truly grateful for the program and where I am today.”
• Howard* from Essex County first came into contact with the Vantage Point Program as a referral from NJ One Stop. He was initially looking for employment placement and possible vocational training – however, he shifted his course upon learning about the Digital Marketing Training through the program: “This training has been very helpful as I’ve learned so much about digital marketing and how it can help individuals proceed in sales online… I can’t wait to see what’s next for me.”
• Reiner* from Passaic County was referred to the Vantage Point Program in 2025 for employment assistance. After completing an internship with one of our employment partners through the program, he was able to secure employment as a certified peer recovery support specialist: “The program is designed to help by identifying my strengths and recognizing my weaknesses – all in efforts to help me overcome my past indiscretions. I recommend the Vantage Point Program and thank the Kintock team for assisting me with work development and transportation.”

These testimonials showcase the true power of rehabilitation – and clearly demonstrate the fact that structured, evidence-based reentry programs actually work and make a bigger, broader impact on our communities.

No one should have to go through the reentry process alone – and that is why Kintock was established in 1985, as a safety net and guide for individuals as they embark on a fresh start post-incarceration. Through our Vantage Point Program specifically, we continue to provide important reentry assistance, resources and services to clients right in their own communities, in order to reduce recidivism rates and offer stable, professional support and guidance. This is how we ensure that reentry is so much more than just a “second chance at life” – this is how we demonstrate that reentry programs actually work and can truly make an impact on generations to come.

Walter Simpkins is a seasoned law enforcement professional with more than 40 years of experience in corrections, spanning both the public and private sectors, and an extensive knowledge of correctional best practices, corrections management and reentry services. He began his career in New Jersey State Government with the Department of Human Services before moving on to the Department of Corrections. Upon his retirement in 2006 as Corrections Captain, Walt joined The Kintock Group with corporate oversight of the company’s facility operations. He was named Chief Operating Officer of Kintock in 2014 and Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer in 2020. 

*First names and hometowns have been removed from this article for privacy.