The NAACP came to the Carroll County prison last March to help those with one foot out the door step into a smooth reentry. The NAACP, in collaboration with the Georgia Department of Corrections, local businesses, and service providers provide a comprehensive reentry program that gives those with approximately 90 days left of their sentences an overview of what to expect, and how to succeed.
The NAACP Reentry Services program stated in 2008, and is the first of its kind in county prisons. Candidates for the program are chosen by the Georgia DOC. The month long program incorporates several aspects of reentry into its schedule. Topics such as substance abuse, medical issues, reconnecting with family, obtaining employment, finding safe and affordable housing, and adopting productive life skills are some of the subjects inmates learn about.
Members from the community come in to let the inmates know that they are supportive. A representative from Walmart talked about employment. Money management was taught by a bank employee, and West Georgia Technical College sent a professor to speak about education. The Georgia Fatherhood Program, which is a part of the Georgia Child Support Services, offered help to non-custodial parents find employment so that they can support their children. Information about obtaining voting rights was also given. The NAACP brought in representatives to talk about help for veterans, how to resolve conflicts peacefully and many other topics that revolve around reentry.
After release, program members are encouraged to drop by the NAACP office for additional services. Georgia DOC Reentry coordinator, B.J. Blair, commends the NAACP. Speaking to the Times-Georgian, he stated, “The department of correction feels that the reentry program that is being taught here…by the NAACP is so important. Reentry is a collaboration between agencies, associations, community service providers. We could not do what we do without them.”
Source: Times-Georgian
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