The Lycoming County Reentry Service Center in Williamsport, Penn., celebrated its fifth anniversary this fall, and to punctuate the difference the program is making in the lives of local citizens, it held its tenth graduation since the program was opened in 2014. The graduation, also known as a Transition Celebration, was held at the Community Theatre League in September and honored 23 individuals after successful completion of reentry programming.
Transition celebrations are positive events that formally mark completion of DRC program responsibilities, including treatment, training and adherence to strict guidelines of attendance and performance. Families, DRC staff, probation officials, local policymakers and members of the judiciary attend these events, a testament to the sentiment that completing the program is a milestone in the person’s reentry journey.
At the graduation and 5-year anniversary celebration, Lycoming County President Judge Nancy Butts addressed attendees as keynote speaker. Adult Probation Office Deputy Chief John Stahl, Commissioner Tony Mussare and Commissioner Jack McKernan also delivered remarks.
Several graduates also spoke at the ceremony, relaying their experience of how the programming changed their outlook and how they developed belief in the program. Some expressed doubts that they would succeed in the program when they began, but that they overcame those doubts and gained much from the curriculum. Others spoke about how the program helps get at the root of decision making, a key factor in making prosocial decisions that avoid future crime.
The Lycoming County RSC was opened by county officials to help alleviate jail overcrowding and tackle chronic recidivism with certain offender groups. The center, operated by GEO Reentry, provides a structured combination of cognitive behavioral treatment, training and case management designed to change criminal thinking and reduce recidivism. Reentrants are required to take part in a multi-phase program that includes classes designed to improve communication skills, teach problem solving and conflict resolution, and develop parenting and employment skills. GEO Reentry operates several reentry programs in Pennsylvania.