The most recent cohort of the Re-entry Success Jail Resident Program has graduated. The program aims to empower incarcerated individuals and help them create successful futures.
Darryl Fitch is one of those recent graduates. “It’s pretty much worthwhile,” Fitch said. “I don’t regret it; I see all of the recognition. I know that the program helped me with my cognitive thinking skills."
Shane Sims is the Executive Director of the nonprofit People Living in Recovery. The organization assists people with substance abuse issues, homelessness, and those affected by the criminal justice system. He says, “So, now that I understand what that cry sounds like and I can really interpret from them that their maladaptive behavior, so to speak, is actually a cry out. I feel like it’s my obligation to interpret, kind of listen out for that cry in the wind and then to respond and to be for these men what I didn’t have for myself.”
Cameron Stockton said he appreciated those efforts. “It could not have been other person but Shane Sims that came in here to do this,” according to Stockton. “With his energy and his spiritual influence and his mindset. The best way I can describe it is that like every time he came in here it felt like he was talking to me, like what was going on in my life.”
Sheriff John Q. Williams says he hopes the program can reduce recidivism, “How do you get people from coming back to jail, you have to give them some tools that they didn’t have when they came in, otherwise they’re going to go back to doing what they were.”
Twelve participants participated in the program.
