Southwestern Pennsylvania Re-entry Coalition was created by Mon Valley Initiative to coordinate resources for individuals whose criminal record creates barriers to self-sufficiency, through collaboration among agencies in Southwestern Pennsylvania. SPARC brings representatives from these participating organizations together to find the best way to provide formerly incarcerated individuals with the services and resources they need to successfully re-enter society and the workforce. SPARC currently works to: • Identify potential career paths for people re-entering the workforce (excluding those from which individuals with criminal backgrounds are banned by law) • Increase the number of employers willing to hire formerly incarcerated individuals through education about incentive programs • Address policy issues through information and advocacy