Bending Bars at the Clewiston and Belle Glade Rotary Clubs
Jim Flanagan presenting the Civics Education Program at the Clewiston Rotary
(L-R): Sydney Hall, Rotary Vice-President, Kathy Rhodes, Rotary President, Jim Flanagan, Executive Director, CEP
Jim Flanagan before the Belle Glade Rotary
With the success of our work at South Bay and Moore Haven Correctional Facilities, who better to connect with than our local Rotary Clubs in the region? On January 24th and 25th we visited Rotarians in Clewiston and Belle Glade to discuss the impact of the Civics Education Program (CEP).
Because each Rotary Club is part of “a global network of 1.4 million neighbors, friends, leaders, and problem-solvers who see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change – across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves” we had to make sure they knew of our work!
Jim Flanagan, Executive Director of CEP, spoke about the mission of our program, the value of training in civics, ethics, literature & economics, and the profound impact we’re having behind bars especially in reducing disciplinary issues. He noted that inmate students will have the opportunity to take these and other courses for college credit by Summer 2023.
While so much of our work goes unnoticed – behind the confines of the correctional facility – the reality is that 95% of inmates are coming back to our communities. Jim highlighted local success stories right here in South Florida as former inmates have returned home and are flourishing. One such story, which can be viewed here: https://www.bendingbars.org/documentary is about Benjamin Volpe who lives in Miami. Ben talks candidly about his time in prison and the influence CEP had on his life.
The work to educate those who are incarcerated goes on, but we truly appreciate the graciousness of both Rotary Clubs and in particular Keith Wedgworth and Traci Owens who helped organize our visit. We look forward to returning soon and to sharing more news about our efforts as we continue to grow!
