GEO Reentry Services and the Tuolumne County Probation Department hosted a graduation for individuals on probation who successfully completed the Tuolumne County Day Reporting Center or the county’s Jail Reentry program. The event was held at a nearby hotel conference room in East Sonora so program staff, graduates, family members, community partner agencies, Tuolumne County officials and probation officers were able to attend.
Tuolumne County District Attorney Cassandra Jenecke was the event keynote speaker, and several graduates addressed attendees.
“It’s an honor to be here with our graduates, to celebrate the really incredible work you all have engaged in to get to where you are today,” Jenecke said. “I can tell you candidly that doing my job sometimes can be very disheartening. When we see our collective efforts fail to help those who need to break the cycle of trauma, addiction, and criminality, sometimes coming to work can be hard. But being here tonight gives me a lot of hope for the future.”
One graduate was joined at the event by his wife and two young children. “Today we gather to celebrate a journey that is not always easy, but it’s undeniably powerful, the journey of recovery and self-growth,” he said. “It is a path where we confront our vulnerabilities and weaknesses to reveal our strengths. Recovery is not about erasing the past. It’s about learning from it and acknowledging the hardships we faced.”
GEO Reentry Program Manager Heather Smith, who oversees both the day reporting and jail reentry programs, greeted guests with words of encouragement for the graduates. She acknowledged the hard work they have put in and the changes they’ve made to succeed as they return to independence in the community. “The most important people here tonight are those who are graduating. We are happy to be here to celebrate the hard work, dedication and accomplishments of our graduates,” Smith said.
Located in Sonora, the Tuolumne County DRC prepares individuals on probation for a successful reentry into the community and provides referrals to community services for issues such as domestic violence, anger management and parenting skills. The county also funds a reentry program within the Tuolumne County Jail, also managed by GEO Reentry Services. This program includes cognitive behavioral treatment and other topics to prepare individuals for life in the community.
To read a news article about the events, and many more comments from graduates, please read “Hope for the Future” news article in the Union Democrat.
Excerpts and photo courtesy of The Union Democrat.