The REACH Initiative
(Restore, Empower & Attain Connections with Hope)
The REACH Initiative is committed to seeing each individual healed and restored: body, soul, and spirit, so they can successfully live out their life. This mandates attending to physical health, mental and emotional health, as well as spiritual health. Through the establishment of a statewide network of Reentry Councils, we seek to bring about lasting change and collaborative impact in our communities. Our work is based on compassion for our fellow brothers and sisters in their suffering and need, and we believe each one is worthy of dignity and respect. We want our compassion to be alive in our words as well as our actions as we live generously in our service and support of others while faithfully stewarding all resources entrusted to us.
Our vision is to Restore justice impacted people, by Empowering them to lead and organize and Attain Connections through Hope for a better future.
Our organization was originally founded under the West Virginia Council of Churches with the hope of forming a few Reentry Councils across the state. We grew from one volunteer to our current full-time staff of 6, with a few others on contract with our organization. Because of the rapid growth and demand for services across the state, it was decided it was best to form a separate nonprofit to be able to focus solely on Reentry Initiatives and Criminal Justice Reform.
It is our goal to restore each justice involved or impacted person’s dignity, through compassion, understanding and hope, while demonstrating trust through integrity, honesty and providing emotional support. We strive to be good stewards of the gifts and resources entrusted to us and use them to create a healthy community and, within our means, to respond to the needs of the poor through service and advocacy. It is our belief that we must advocate for those that are marginalized and voiceless that are forever treated as second class citizens, even though their societal debt has been paid.
What hours do you work?
We operate remotely and do not have a walk-in office. Therefore, it is easier to contact us through e-mail or by phone to best assist you.
Who do you serve?
We serve anyone that has been impacted in any way by the justice system. We work with individuals coming out of jail, prison, alternative sentencing, day report centers, diversion programs and more.
Do you provide any financial assistance?
We are a referral agency only and do not provide direct services. However, we will connect you with the resources you need to successfully transition back to the community.
What areas of the state do you serve?
We serve the entire state of West Virginia and will do our best to connect you to resources closest to you.
Our vision is to Restore justice impacted people, by Empowering them to lead and organize and Attain Connections through Hope for a better future.
Our organization was originally founded under the West Virginia Council of Churches with the hope of forming a few Reentry Councils across the state. We grew from one volunteer to our current full-time staff of 6, with a few others on contract with our organization. Because of the rapid growth and demand for services across the state, it was decided it was best to form a separate nonprofit to be able to focus solely on Reentry Initiatives and Criminal Justice Reform.
It is our goal to restore each justice involved or impacted person’s dignity, through compassion, understanding and hope, while demonstrating trust through integrity, honesty and providing emotional support. We strive to be good stewards of the gifts and resources entrusted to us and use them to create a healthy community and, within our means, to respond to the needs of the poor through service and advocacy. It is our belief that we must advocate for those that are marginalized and voiceless that are forever treated as second class citizens, even though their societal debt has been paid.
Waymakers – Dedicated to promoting successful reintegration: wvwaymakers.org
The Religious Coalition for Community Renewal (Housing): rccr.org/programs-rccr-offers
Jobs & Hope – Connecting West Virginians to resources: jobsandhope.wv.gov
What hours do you work?
We operate remotely and do not have a walk-in office. Therefore, it is easier to contact us through e-mail or by phone to best assist you.
Who do you serve?
We serve anyone that has been impacted in any way by the justice system. We work with individuals coming out of jail, prison, alternative sentencing, day report centers, diversion programs and more.
Do you provide any financial assistance?
We are a referral agency only and do not provide direct services. However, we will connect you with the resources you need to successfully transition back to the community.
What areas of the state do you serve?
We serve the entire state of West Virginia and will do our best to connect you to resources closest to you.
Meet Our Team
Beverly Sharp
Founder and Executive Director of the REACH Initiative & WV Reentry Councils
Beverly earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Law Enforcement and Corrections from Marshall University. Most of her professional career was spent with the United States Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Prisons, where she retired after 30 years of service.
Beverly is certified by the National Institute of Corrections (NIC) in the following areas: Offender Employment Specialist, Offender Workforce Development Specialist (OWDS) and OWDS Certified Instructor.as well as a Global Career Development Facilitator (GCDF). She served as Program Coordinator of the Criminal Justice Department at Ashland Community and Technical College.
Currently her goals are developing programs, initiatives, and training to improve the opportunities for former offenders to successfully return to the community as productive citizens, as well as to educate communities on the barriers faced by former offenders, in order to reduce recidivism and to Build Bridges to a Better Community.
Phone: 855-987-3224
Email: bsharp@wvreentry.org
Amber Blankenship
Peer Reentry Director
Amber Blankenship is the Reentry Program Director for The REACH Initiative, where she leads innovative efforts to support individuals impacted by substance use disorder, incarceration, and other barriers to long-term recovery. Through community partnerships, reentry navigation, and recovery support services, she works to help individuals rebuild their lives while strengthening the systems that serve them.
Amber is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Applied Community Development at Future Generations University, where her research focuses on strengthening systems of care, expanding recovery ecosystems, and improving outcomes for justice-involved individuals in Appalachian communities.
A person in long-term recovery herself, Amber has transformed her lived experience into a lifelong commitment to helping others rebuild their lives and achieve lasting recovery. Following her release from incarceration in 2019, she committed her life to serving individuals and families affected by addiction and the criminal justice system. Today, she oversees reentry programming across West Virginia, helping participants overcome barriers to employment, housing, healthcare, transportation, and sustained recovery.
Beyond her work at REACH, Amber serves on the West Virginia Governor’s Council for Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment, Logan County QRT, is a Board Member of the Recovery Group of Southern West Virginia, and serves on the Advisory Board for the National Peer Recovery Alliance. She is committed to advancing peer recovery support, developing innovative reentry models, and shaping policies that create lasting change for individuals, families, and communities.
Amber believes that recovery is about more than overcoming addiction, it is about discovering purpose, and creating opportunities for lasting change. She is committed to empowering individuals to recognize their strengths, find their voice, and build meaningful lives. She believes that “iron sharpens iron” and that people grow stronger by encouraging, challenging, and investing in one another.
Email: ablankenship@wvreentry.org
Kristen Blankenship
Council Coordinator & Community Engagement Specialist
Kristen serves as the Community Engagement Specialist for The REACH Initiative and West Virginia Reentry Council Coordinator. She works closely with community leaders, service providers, employers, recovery organizations, and stakeholders across the state to strengthen partnerships and expand opportunities for individuals impacted by incarceration, substance use disorders, and other barriers to success like she pesonally has experienced.
In her role, Kristen coordinates statewide reentry council activities, supports community engagement efforts, facilitates collaboration between organizations, and assists in developing resources that promote successful reentry, workforce development, recovery support, and long-term stability. She is passionate about bringing people together to create practical solutions that strengthen communities and help individuals rebuild their lives. Her motto is, “Teamwork makes the dream work.” She’s a proud McDowell County native who is currently based in Huntington, WV.
Kristen believes that hope, connection, and opportunity are essential to lasting change and is committed to advancing the mission of The REACH Initiative through advocacy, collaboration, and service.
Email: kblankenship@wvreentry.org
Johnathan Spence
Reentry Navigator
Johnathan is a proud native of Logan County, West Virginia, where he resides with his wife, Pamela. After serving in the U.S. Navy, Johnathan struggled with alcohol addiction, which ultimately led to his incarceration.
During 23 years of incarceration on the U.S. Territory Island of Guam, Johnathan experienced a profound transformation through faith, forgiveness, and personal growth. A letter from his victim’s mother became a turning point in his journey, inspiring him to embrace accountability, healing, and a renewed sense of purpose.
Since his release in 2016, Johnathan has dedicated his life to helping others by sharing his story, offering hope, and supporting individuals facing their own challenges. Through his work with The REACH Initiative, he uses his lived experience to encourage successful reentry, recovery, and personal transformation, demonstrating that redemption and second chances are possible.
Email: jspence@wvreentry.org
Teri Castle
Reentry Navigator
Teri’s transformative journey began during a 16-year period of incarceration. During that time, she embraced every opportunity for personal growth and self-improvement through therapy, yoga teacher training, and higher education.
Following her release, Teri earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Marshall University. She also completed a fellowship with the West Virginia Center on Budget & Policy, where she gained valuable experience in policy reform and advocacy efforts.
As a Reentry Navigator, Teri works directly with individuals facing challenges similar to those she once experienced, providing guidance, support, and resources to help them successfully navigate the reentry process.
Through her personal and professional journey, Teri remains committed to empowering others, advocating for positive systemic change, and helping individuals reclaim their lives while building brighter futures.
Email: tcastle@wvreentry.org
Ryan Mullins
Reentry Navigator
Ryan Mullins is a native of Madison, West Virginia, whose life has been transformed through recovery after more than 25 years of struggling with addiction. His sobriety date, July 11, 2023, marked the beginning of a new chapter focused on healing, personal growth, and helping others.
A significant part of Ryan’s recovery journey took place at The Rock Ministries, where he spent more than 18 months rebuilding his life and developing a strong foundation rooted in accountability, faith, perseverance, and self-discovery. Through recovery, he learned the importance of self-forgiveness, resilience, and finding purpose beyond past struggles.
As a REACHback Reentry Navigator, Ryan uses his lived experience to support individuals navigating reentry, recovery, and life after addiction. He is passionate about encouraging others, connecting people with resources, and demonstrating that lasting change is possible through hope, hard work, and community support.
Email: rmullins@wvreentry.org
Bryanna Hodge
Reentry Navigator
Originally from Fayette County, Bryanna found new opportunities and a strong recovery community in Charleston that played a significant role in her personal growth. As she approached the completion of her treatment program, she discovered a passion for helping others overcome the same challenges she once faced.
Today, Bryanna finds purpose in supporting individuals navigating recovery, reentry, and personal transformation. Drawing from both lived experience and professional dedication, she assists individuals returning from incarceration, working toward family reunification, and building stable, meaningful lives in recovery.
As Reentry Navigator, Bryanna understands the importance of community support, peer connections, and access to essential resources. She is committed to reducing recidivism, promoting recovery, and empowering individuals to recognize that their past does not define their future.
Email: bhodge@wvreentry.org
Robert Jason Foltz
Reentry Navigator
A second-year college student and PRSS-certified professional, Jason combines lived experience with compassion, resilience, and a genuine commitment to service. His personal journey has strengthened his belief that recovery, redemption, and positive change are possible for everyone.
Through guidance, advocacy, peer support, and community connection, Jason works to empower individuals navigating recovery and reentry while helping them build confidence, stability, and hope for the future.
Email: jfoltz@wvreentry.org
Liz Stewart
Reentry Navigator
Liz Stewart is a resilient woman who has walked through loss, hardship, and uncertainty, rebuilding her life through perseverance, faith, and personal growth. Through life’s challenges, she discovered a deeper sense of purpose and a passion for helping others navigate their own journeys of healing and transformation.
Grounded in both education and lived experience, Liz is committed to supporting individuals during times of transition, recovery, and rebuilding. She believes everyone deserves the opportunity to rediscover their strengths, overcome obstacles, and create a meaningful future.
As a Reentry Navigator, Liz works alongside individuals as they navigate change, offering encouragement, support, and connection to resources. Her mission is to help others recognize that no matter where they begin, rebuilding is always possible.
Email: lstewart@wvreentry.org
Wes McLean
Reentry Navigator
Wes’s recovery journey began after fifteen years of substance use disorder and more than five years of incarceration during his early adult life. After numerous treatment experiences and personal challenges, he made the decision to change the course of his life.
In 2021, Wesley relocated from Georgia to West Virginia to begin a new chapter focused on recovery, personal growth, and faith. With the support of his family, church community, and continued commitment to recovery, he has built a life centered on purpose and service.
As a Reentry Navigator, Wesley is passionate about helping individuals successfully transition back into their communities. Drawing from his own lived experience, he provides encouragement, guidance, and support to those facing challenges similar to the ones he once overcame. He believes that recovery, redemption, and positive change are possible for anyone willing to pursue them.
Email: wmclean@wvreentry.org
Beth Allevato
Reentry Navigator
Beth Allevato serves as a Peer Reentry Navigator and AmeriCorps participant with the REACH Initiative. Originally from Clarksburg, West Virginia, Beth brings both professional dedication and personal experience to her role. As a justice-impacted individual with more than two years of sobriety, she is passionate about helping others find hope, overcome barriers, and build successful lives in recovery and reentry.
Beth’s journey led her to Logan through the Marjorie Oakley House, where she began a new chapter focused on growth, healing, and service to others. Drawing from her own experiences, she understands the challenges many individuals face and is committed to helping them access the resources, support, and encouragement they need to succeed. Her favorite part of her work is helping people discover hope and recognize their potential for a brighter future.
As an AmeriCorps participant, Beth is dedicated to strengthening her community through service and supporting individuals as they navigate recovery and reentry.
Email: ballevato@wvreentry.org
Meet Our Team
Beverly Sharp
Founder and Executive Director of the REACH Initiative & WV Reentry Councils
Beverly earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Law Enforcement and Corrections from Marshall University. Most of her professional career was spent with the United States Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Prisons, where she retired after 30 years of service.
Beverly is certified by the National Institute of Corrections (NIC) in the following areas: Offender Employment Specialist, Offender Workforce Development Specialist (OWDS) and OWDS Certified Instructor.as well as a Global Career Development Facilitator (GCDF). She served as Program Coordinator of the Criminal Justice Department at Ashland Community and Technical College.
Currently her goals are developing programs, initiatives, and training to improve the opportunities for former offenders to successfully return to the community as productive citizens, as well as to educate communities on the barriers faced by former offenders, in order to reduce recidivism and to Build Bridges to a Better Community.
Phone: 855-987-3224
Email: bsharp@wvreentry.org
Amber Blankenship
Peer Reentry Director
Amber Blankenship is the Reentry Program Director for The REACH Initiative, where she leads innovative efforts to support individuals impacted by substance use disorder, incarceration, and other barriers to long-term recovery. Through community partnerships, reentry navigation, and recovery support services, she works to help individuals rebuild their lives while strengthening the systems that serve them.
Amber is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Applied Community Development at Future Generations University, where her research focuses on strengthening systems of care, expanding recovery ecosystems, and improving outcomes for justice-involved individuals in Appalachian communities.
A person in long-term recovery herself, Amber has transformed her lived experience into a lifelong commitment to helping others rebuild their lives and achieve lasting recovery. Following her release from incarceration in 2019, she committed her life to serving individuals and families affected by addiction and the criminal justice system. Today, she oversees reentry programming across West Virginia, helping participants overcome barriers to employment, housing, healthcare, transportation, and sustained recovery.
Beyond her work at REACH, Amber serves on the West Virginia Governor’s Council for Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment, Logan County QRT, is a Board Member of the Recovery Group of Southern West Virginia, and serves on the Advisory Board for the National Peer Recovery Alliance. She is committed to advancing peer recovery support, developing innovative reentry models, and shaping policies that create lasting change for individuals, families, and communities.
Amber believes that recovery is about more than overcoming addiction, it is about discovering purpose, and creating opportunities for lasting change. She is committed to empowering individuals to recognize their strengths, find their voice, and build meaningful lives. She believes that “iron sharpens iron” and that people grow stronger by encouraging, challenging, and investing in one another.
Email: ablankenship@wvreentry.org
Kristen Blankenship
Council Coordinator & Community Engagement Specialist
Kristen serves as the Community Engagement Specialist for The REACH Initiative and West Virginia Reentry Council Coordinator. She works closely with community leaders, service providers, employers, recovery organizations, and stakeholders across the state to strengthen partnerships and expand opportunities for individuals impacted by incarceration, substance use disorders, and other barriers to success like she pesonally has experienced.
In her role, Kristen coordinates statewide reentry council activities, supports community engagement efforts, facilitates collaboration between organizations, and assists in developing resources that promote successful reentry, workforce development, recovery support, and long-term stability. She is passionate about bringing people together to create practical solutions that strengthen communities and help individuals rebuild their lives. Her motto is, “Teamwork makes the dream work.” She’s a proud McDowell County native who is currently based in Huntington, WV.
Kristen believes that hope, connection, and opportunity are essential to lasting change and is committed to advancing the mission of The REACH Initiative through advocacy, collaboration, and service.
Email: kblankenship@wvreentry.org
Johnathan Spence
Reentry Navigator
Jonathan is a proud native of Logan County, West Virginia, where he resides with his wife, Pamela. After serving in the U.S. Navy, Jonathan struggled with alcohol addiction, which ultimately led to his incarceration.
During 23 years of incarceration on the U.S. Territory Island of Guam, Jonathan experienced a profound transformation through faith, forgiveness, and personal growth. A letter from his victim’s mother became a turning point in his journey, inspiring him to embrace accountability, healing, and a renewed sense of purpose.
Since his release in 2016, Jonathan has dedicated his life to helping others by sharing his story, offering hope, and supporting individuals facing their own challenges. Through his work with The REACH Initiative, he uses his lived experience to encourage successful reentry, recovery, and personal transformation, demonstrating that redemption and second chances are possible.
Email: jspence@wvreentry.org
Teri Castle
Reentry Navigator
Teri’s transformative journey began during a 16-year period of incarceration. During that time, she embraced every opportunity for personal growth and self-improvement through therapy, yoga teacher training, and higher education.
Following her release, Teri earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Marshall University. She also completed a fellowship with the West Virginia Center on Budget & Policy, where she gained valuable experience in policy reform and advocacy efforts.
As a Reentry Navigator, Teri works directly with individuals facing challenges similar to those she once experienced, providing guidance, support, and resources to help them successfully navigate the reentry process.
Through her personal and professional journey, Teri remains committed to empowering others, advocating for positive systemic change, and helping individuals reclaim their lives while building brighter futures.
Email: tcastle@wvreentry.org
Ryan Mullins
Reentry Navigator
Ryan Mullins is a native of Madison, West Virginia, whose life has been transformed through recovery after more than 25 years of struggling with addiction. His sobriety date, July 11, 2023, marked the beginning of a new chapter focused on healing, personal growth, and helping others.
A significant part of Ryan’s recovery journey took place at The Rock Ministries, where he spent more than 18 months rebuilding his life and developing a strong foundation rooted in accountability, faith, perseverance, and self-discovery. Through recovery, he learned the importance of self-forgiveness, resilience, and finding purpose beyond past struggles.
As a REACHback Reentry Navigator, Ryan uses his lived experience to support individuals navigating reentry, recovery, and life after addiction. He is passionate about encouraging others, connecting people with resources, and demonstrating that lasting change is possible through hope, hard work, and community support.
Email: rmullins@wvreentry.org
Bryanna Hodge
Reentry Navigator
Originally from Fayette County, Bryanna found new opportunities and a strong recovery community in Charleston that played a significant role in her personal growth. As she approached the completion of her treatment program, she discovered a passion for helping others overcome the same challenges she once faced.
Today, Bryanna finds purpose in supporting individuals navigating recovery, reentry, and personal transformation. Drawing from both lived experience and professional dedication, she assists individuals returning from incarceration, working toward family reunification, and building stable, meaningful lives in recovery.
As Reentry Navigator, Bryanna understands the importance of community support, peer connections, and access to essential resources. She is committed to reducing recidivism, promoting recovery, and empowering individuals to recognize that their past does not define their future.
Email: bhodge@wvreentry.org
Robert Jason Foltz
Reentry Navigator
A second-year college student and PRSS-certified professional, Jason combines lived experience with compassion, resilience, and a genuine commitment to service. His personal journey has strengthened his belief that recovery, redemption, and positive change are possible for everyone.
Through guidance, advocacy, peer support, and community connection, Jason works to empower individuals navigating recovery and reentry while helping them build confidence, stability, and hope for the future.
Email: jfoltz@wvreentry.org
Liz Stewart
Reentry Navigator
Liz Stewart is a resilient woman who has walked through loss, hardship, and uncertainty, rebuilding her life through perseverance, faith, and personal growth. Through life’s challenges, she discovered a deeper sense of purpose and a passion for helping others navigate their own journeys of healing and transformation.
Grounded in both education and lived experience, Liz is committed to supporting individuals during times of transition, recovery, and rebuilding. She believes everyone deserves the opportunity to rediscover their strengths, overcome obstacles, and create a meaningful future.
As a Reentry Navigator, Liz works alongside individuals as they navigate change, offering encouragement, support, and connection to resources. Her mission is to help others recognize that no matter where they begin, rebuilding is always possible.
Email: lstewart@wvreentry.org
Wes McLean
Reentry Navigator
In 2021, Wesley relocated from Georgia to West Virginia to begin a new chapter focused on recovery, personal growth, and faith. With the support of his family, church community, and continued commitment to recovery, he has built a life centered on purpose and service.
As a Reentry Navigator, Wesley is passionate about helping individuals successfully transition back into their communities. Drawing from his own lived experience, he provides encouragement, guidance, and support to those facing challenges similar to the ones he once overcame. He believes that recovery, redemption, and positive change are possible for anyone willing to pursue them.
Email: wmclean@wvreentry.org
Beth Allevato
Reentry Navigator
Beth Allevato serves as a Peer Reentry Navigator and AmeriCorps participant with the REACH Initiative. Originally from Clarksburg, West Virginia, Beth brings both professional dedication and personal experience to her role. As a justice-impacted individual with more than two years of sobriety, she is passionate about helping others find hope, overcome barriers, and build successful lives in recovery and reentry.
Beth’s journey led her to Logan through the Marjorie Oakley House, where she began a new chapter focused on growth, healing, and service to others. Drawing from her own experiences, she understands the challenges many individuals face and is committed to helping them access the resources, support, and encouragement they need to succeed. Her favorite part of her work is helping people discover hope and recognize their potential for a brighter future.
As an AmeriCorps participant, Beth is dedicated to strengthening her community through service and supporting individuals as they navigate recovery and reentry.
Email: ballevato@wvreentry.org