County Director Honored for Leading the Way in Second Chances

Dena along with CJS Director Sonya Harper and other members of the executive attending a ceremony where Sonya was presented with the Opportunity Award for the Reentry Program.

Mecklenburg County Criminal Justice Services (CJS) director Sonya L. Harper was recently honored with the Opportunity Award for her leadership in service to formerly incarcerated residents looking to start a new chapter in their lives through reentry programs. Harper was noted for CJS work by the Freedom Fighting Missionaries, a nonprofit organization which supports the reentry population. This year’s gala theme was to recognize “Women In The Movement.” 

Criminal Justice Services Director Sonya Harper stands holding the Opportunity Award for her work on the CJS Reentry Program.
Sonya Harper

“I am honored by the recognition and the support from CJS and County leadership,” said Harper. “Mecklenburg County is committed to this work every day in our care of clients navigating services and supporting these residents to find their new path forward.”

The Opportunity Award was a recognition of Mecklenburg County’s efforts to create and sustain support and opportunities for reentry clients through housing, workforce development, drug treatment and supportive services.