BELLEFONTE — After the closure of SCI Rockview prompted questions about its future, CentrePeace says it will continue to serve thousands of currently and formerly incarcerated people through its reentry, restorative justice and community support programs.

The nonprofit’s executive director, Barbara Squires, emphasized that CentrePeace remains fully independent and steadfast in its mission, despite widespread speculation that its programs might be ending.

“With the closure of SCI Rockview, there has been an increase in misinformation circulating in the community about our organization and its future,” Squires told The Express.

CentrePeace leadership said rumors suggesting the organization is closing or no longer operates as a nonprofit — based on the misconception it served only the incarcerated population at SCI Rockview — are false.

“These statements are untrue and we want to ensure the community receives accurate information,” Squires said. “The individuals who participate in our work reentry program come to us from the Centre County Correctional Facility, and that partnership remains strong.”

Founded in 1993, CentrePeace has been working with returning citizens since 1994. Its mission, Squires said, continues to focus on helping currently and formerly incarcerated individuals rebuild their lives through restorative programs, skills training and community reintegration.

Last year, the nonprofit’s 15 programs served more than 12,350 current and formerly incarcerated individuals. Those efforts span mentoring and reentry support, life skills and vocational training, educational classes, outreach to the incarcerated and housing assistance, among other services. Each program is supported by proceeds from its most visible initiative, the CentrePeace Thrift Store, which is located at 3047 Benner Pike in Bellefonte.

“Every life touched, every home furnished, every class taught, every project completed — was made possible through our year-round fundraiser: the CentrePeace Thrift Store,” said Squires.

CentrePeace is entirely self-funded, receiving no private, federal, state or local grant money. It also operates independently, with no parent organization providing additional funding or support.

“The community’s support directly sustains every program we offer,” Squires explained.

The thrift store — which primarily sells furniture — doubles as a hands-on training site. Much of the day-to-day work is carried out by incarcerated participants, whom the organization calls “trainees.” Through the program, trainees take part in structured, restorative reentry preparation, building practical employment skills, workplace habits, confidence and a sense of purpose while still incarcerated. Revenue from store sales and donated goods directly funds CentrePeace programming, linking each purchase and donation to services for people with limited resources and involvement in the justice-system.

“CentrePeace gave me a reason to get up in the morning. It helped me begin looking forward to the future I was planning to build,” one trainee said.

In 2025, as part of Project Restoring Lives, 25 trainees from the Centre County Correctional Facility refurbished 90 pieces of furniture, nearly all of which have since been sold.

“What moved us most were the expressions on the trainees’ faces as shoppers chose their work. Pride. Joy. A quiet but powerful sense of, ‘I did that — and someone valued it,'” said Squires. “These moments are far more than sales. They are affirmations of dignity, confidence and hope.”

Beyond furniture restoration, last year the nonprofit arranged more than 30 rides home after release, assisted 22 returning citizens with furnishing their homes and provided essential household items to 29 community members experiencing hardship. The organization also works at the state and national levels, offering restorative justice programs for community members, victims, offenders and corrections personnel.

“You — our generous donors, customers, volunteers and staff — made it all possible. Your belief in restoration fuels every step we take and every life we are privileged to serve,” said Squires.

To learn more about CentrePeace, its programs and the thrift store, visit www.centrepeace.org.