Several GEO Reentry programs are celebrating participant graduations, also known as transition celebrations, this spring in collaboration with partner agencies. These events mark successful completion of commitments by parolees or probationers who have attended programs at GEO Reentry non-residential reentry centers. Other offices are hosting open houses and tours to showcase changes made to programs and facilities.
For many of these reentry programs, these events also mark a welcome return to in-person activities following a lifting of local and state Covid restrictions.
At these non-residential reentry programs, GEO Reentry provide a structured combination of cognitive behavioral treatment, training and case management designed to change criminal thinking and reduce recidivism, and participants move through the programs based on completion of various phases. Most of these program participants remain in contact with the GEO Reentry Centers through an Aftercare program, which includes periodic check-ins to support former participants as they navigate life in the community. Others will stay linked with GEO Reentry’s voluntary alumni network.
In-person events mark return to normal
At the transition celebrations, GEO Reentry staff, family members, community partner agencies, and other stakeholders attend to recognize program graduates’ accomplishments in the program and encourage them to stay steady on their reentry journey in the community. The open houses are opportunities for the community and stakeholders to learn more about the programs. Examples of events this spring include:
- GEO Reentry and the Idaho Department of Correction hosted a Transition Celebration April 12 for individuals who successfully completed the Connection and Intervention Station program in Couer d’Alene. In addition to the Coeur d’ Alene CIS, GEO Reentry operates CIS offices for the DOC in Boise, Nampa-Caldwell, Lewiston, Idaho Falls, Pocatello and Twin Falls.
- The Merced County Day Reporting Center, operated by GEO Reentry in partnership with the Merced County Probation Department, hosted an open house on April 4. Community members toured the remodeled facility, met staff and learned more about the center’s reentry program for probationers. In addition to operating the Merced County DRC, GEO Reentry supports the county’s in-jail treatment and training program.
- Also in April, GEO Reentry Services and the Shasta County Probation Department hosted an open house to celebrate the program’s 9-year anniversary. Local officials, probation and center staff, community partners, current program participants and program alumni attended.
- In Pennsylvania, GEO Reentry offices in partnership with county agencies are hosting graduations in Dauphin and Lycoming counties. The Lycoming event, being held in Williamsport, is expected to attract more than 150 attendees, and keynote speakers include a county commissioner, president judge, and others who are supportive of the behavior change program that has proven results.