Home / Crime and Justice / New Hope for Re-entry: AYA House Opens in Rowan County
New Hope for Re-entry: AYA House Opens in Rowan County
14 Jan
Summary
- AYA House offers transitional housing and support for those exiting incarceration.
- The new Rowan County location serves adult men from ten Vaya Health counties.
- Programs provide job training and career placement for long-term stability.
AYA House, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting individuals in recovery and those transitioning from incarceration, is expanding its services with a new location in Rowan County, opening on January 16, 2026. This program will cater to adult men re-entering the community from jail or prison within Vaya Health's eastern North Carolina service area.
The initiative is funded by a $1.5 million federal grant aimed at community-based support for justice-involved adults. Executive Director Dennis Brown emphasizes the vital role of housing and comprehensive support services in enabling successful reintegration, noting that stable housing is a major obstacle for many formerly incarcerated individuals.
The Rowan County program begins with five clients, utilizing two houses: one for residence and another as an "employment lab." This expansion mirrors AYA House's successful model in Cabarrus County, where partnerships provide clients with skilled trade certifications and assistance in securing meaningful careers, not just temporary jobs.
