Education is opening new doors for former inmates.
The Civics Education Program not only reduces recidivism, it opens new doors for those who are reentering society. Imagine welcoming back into our communities formerly incarcerated individuals who have changed their minds and their lives, ready to make a difference by getting good jobs, new homes, becoming good parents, and doing whatever they can to strengthen their respective communities. This is happening right now in South Florida, and we are expanding it into several states in the coming months.
Jim Flanagan, CEP Executive Director, with Paul Blackshear (left) and Elmo Golden (right) both of whom studied in the Civics Education Program at South Bay Correctional. They are meeting with Willie Williams who lives in the College Hills area—a unique community of men and women who have reentered society and are making a difference. We are preparing to launch a reentry program here enabling 30 participants to study civics, ethics, economics, and literature. Our educational content will be delivered via tablet technology and starting in January 2022 our program will include weekly meetings focusing on civic responsibilities, self-improvement, and financial management skills.
Elmo "opening doors" and connecting us with future program participants. Here, he's showing us one of the many reentry houses in the College Hills neighborhood. This cluster of over 20 homes illustrates the power of community and helps ease the transition from incarceration to freedom. We believe these, and all former inmates, should have ongoing access to as many of our educational resources as possible.
