MISSISSIPPI POWER AND PARTNERS ADDRESSING FORREST COUNTY ADULT DETENTION CENTER INMATES REGARDING RE-ENTRY TO LIFE BEYOND INCARCERATION
Today Mississippi Power and numerous partners and guest speakers from companies and businesses such as Strategic Systems, Inc, Dismas Charities, and Southern Mississippi Planning and Development District, and those from ministerial backgrounds came to the Forrest County Adult Detention Center to expose inmates set to be released with exposure to opportunities to build life and job skills that will help them with re-enter and reintegrate into society.
Those gathered heard that there is a life, other than crime, beyond the bars, but they have to make choices that lead them in that direction. The civilian business professionals gathered provided insight into ways those rejoining society can integrate in meaningful and positive ways and that they are not expected to make the transition alone. There are resources and persons willing to assist them in every step of their transition back.
Those in attendance heard, some for the first time, that there are opportunities for them to be paid to seek educational opportunities, that there are apprenticeships available for them, and that there are even paid positions they may be able to attain. There is a program that allows and encourages them to re-enter a workforce, and places such as Huntington Ingalls Industries, the largest military shipbuilding company in the United States, has employment opportunities for them.
In addition, a former U.S. Federal Probation Officer and a current Probation Officer were on hand to provide those in attendance with information. This program also has the support and endorsement of U.S. District Judge for the Southern District of Mississippi, Judge Keith Starrett.
This is just one more way that Forrest County Sheriff, Charlie Sims, is working to pull businesses, professionals and faith-based groups together to let those incarcerated know that their past does not have to define their future and that they are not unknown and they are not forgotten. The Sheriff’s Office will continue to work to provide opportunities and possibilities for those who are released to move forward in a positive way that reintegrates them successfully as productive members of society.
Below is a picture from today’s event.
Original source can be found here.
