About Us

Realistic ReEntry

Realistic ReEntry is an electronic platform developed as part of the reentry services offered by Operation Better Block within the Department of Violence Prevention. RR aims to leverage technology to facilitate connections between returning citizens and the wide array of resources available throughout Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, and the state of Pennsylvania.

The platform serves as a vital link in the ecosystem of resources for formerly incarcerated individuals, collaborating with entities such as ACAR (Allegheny County Reentry Coalition), HOL (House of Life Pittsburgh), and PARC (Pennsylvania Reentry Council). By effectively linking individuals with legitimate resources and opportunities, Realistic Reentry directly contributes to reducing violence within the community.

Our Parent Organization: Operation Better Block

In addition to providing reentry resources to returningg citizens of Pittsburgh, our parent organization Operation Better Block's mission as a whole is to strategize, organize and mobilize, block by block, to benefit the Homewood Community. This is done by:

• Providing technical and community development assistance to Block Associations engaged in self-help projects and self-sufficiency initiatives;
• Fostering youth development through self-awareness, career exploration programs, and community volunteer opportunities;
• Participating in housing development efforts to construct new housing units;
• Encouraging and supporting public and private investments to stimulate economic development in the community;
• Building cooperative partnerships with others to promote community sustainability.

Learn more about OBB's mission and programs on the OBB website.

Director- Taili Thompson

Taili A. Thompson is a distinguished leader and committed activist within the Allegheny County region, renowned for his unwavering dedication to violence prevention and community empowerment. With his career inception in the field dating back to 2003, alongside engaging in community-based initiatives since 1999, Thompson has cultivated a deep-rooted passion for fostering safer environments and nurturing positive community relations.

Throughout his illustrious career, Thompson has amassed a remarkable track record in collaborating with various violence prevention organizations across the region. His tenure as the manager for the Office of Violence Prevention at the Allegheny County Health Department from 2016 to 2020 is particularly notable, where he spearheaded initiatives aimed at curbing community violence through innovative strategies and programs. His extensive experience also encompasses a decade-long service at One Vision One Life, a pivotal violence prevention entity, and a three-year role as the program manager for the Pittsburgh Initiative to Reduce Crime (PIRC), further underscoring his dedication to creating impactful change.

In 2012, Thompson took his commitment a step further by founding Youth Opportunities Development (Y.O.D.), a nonprofit organization dedicated to the cultivation of young leaders in communities plagued by the epidemic of violence. Under his guidance, Y.O.D. has been instrumental in mentoring, educating, and empowering youth, providing them with the tools to thrive and contribute positively to their communities.

Thompson's academic achievements include graduating from Perry Traditional Academy in 1991, earning a bachelor's degree in legal studies from Point Park University, and securing an associate degree as a Paralegal from Community College of Allegheny County. Currently serving as the Director of Violence Prevention at Operation Better Block Inc., Thompson continues to leverage his expertise, leadership, and passion to drive meaningful advancements in violence prevention and community development, leaving an indelible mark on the communities he serves.