Staff from Talbot Hall Residential Reentry Center in Kearny, New Jersey, and members of GEO Reentry’s New Jersey Alumni Services network distributed free turkeys to community members for the recent Thanksgiving holiday. GEO Care, Inc. donated 200 turkeys for the cause.
The turkeys were distributed at three locations around the state, including Lincoln Park Towers senior living in Newark, New Jersey, and public housing complexes in Newark and Trenton, New Jersey. The Newark Housing Authority and Seton Hall University also donated bags of personal items to the community members, who expressed thanks with hugs and tears of gratitude.
“You made my Thanksgiving. Thank you!” said Newark resident Vanessa M. “My family is going to be so happy. Bless you!”
Staff and alumni tucked turkeys into carts and totes bags for community members. They said they received as much as they gave, and the event served as a positive reminder for what the season is all about.
“As members of GEO’s Alumni Services, we are proud to demonstrate positive acts that give back to the community,” said Arthur Townes, GEO Reentry’s New Jersey Alumni Services manager. “We are grateful to pass along a message of hope to those who are less fortunate. I appreciate a great turnout from Talbot Hall staff and alumni, and for their help with the giveaway to those who could not otherwise have a Thanksgiving meal.”
GEO Reentry has residential reentry centers across New Jersey, including Talbot Hall in Kearny, the Albert M. “Bo” Robinson Assessment & Treatment Center in Trenton, and five centers in Newark. Part of the reentry programming provided at these centers includes community service and outreach designed to help offenders give back to and reintegrate with their communities.
The Alumni Services program helps program graduates continue fostering these connections and build a network of peers who can offer support, encouragement and mentorship. Members of GEO Reentry’s New Jersey Alumni Services network frequently volunteer in the community. Alumni recently stuffed backpacks with school supplies for local children and bowled with kids through their local Big Brothers Big Sisters of America chapter.
“Our mission is to help those in our centers with evidence-based reentry services so that individuals can create a better life for themselves and their families,” said Richard McCourt, GEO Reentry’s Northeast senior area manager. “We are honored to extend the message of helping others out into the community at this family holiday.”
Get the latest news from other GEO Reentry centers.