Prison Re-Entry Program Benefits From Constructive Suggestions Not From Brick-Bats

[N'Zinga Shani]

Prison Re-Entry Program Benefits From Constructive Suggestions Not From Brick-Bats

Clearly the Harp Administration is making an effort to improve the outcomes for those returning from prison.  As mayor, Toni Harp has the entire city and its many departments (and individual heads) demanding her attention.  She also has the much broader and more challenging issues of economic and structural development, finances, education, state and city relationships (intra- and inter-) that need her attention, and for which there are no substitutes. She should be able to trust her leaders to make sensible decisions on other issues.  There has not been a single administration (regardless of how skilled) that has not made mis-steps. One of the requests the Mayor made in her Dec. 5, detailed interview with OneWorld was to hear from people.  She wants suggestions, recommendations, diverse ideas so that together – New Haveners can make positive contributions about how to BEST make the city work well for everyone.

It is easy to take cheap shots that require no serious reflections or thoughtful contributions.  It is ALWAYS easier to hurl stones; anyone can do it.  Mixing mortar to make a building block takes more effort and is reserved for those who are committed to making positive changes in the community.  How about a few suggestions on how to better manage the re-entry process? There are many others like Maverick Jacobs in the Greater New Haven community; they have a vital role to play in telling what worked for them and what would have been more helpful.  There are many others who can help the Harp administration to develop effective strategies to reconnect returning prisoners to vital resources and productive lives.

“Part of the plan includes the collection of new “metrics” on returning prisoners—whether they have gotten a GED or a vocation skills while incarcerated, how many family members they have in New Haven, if they have any housing options available to them.

In addition to metrics, the city will be working with faith-based and community groups to send mentors in to counsel prisoners before their release.” These are important and constructive aspects on which to focus.  The “Fresh Start” program, as described here, has positive aspects. Let us focus on how these can be improved.

 Recidivism affects all of us whether directly or not. Let us strive to light candles of positive information.  No one benefits from vitriol. It is ALWAYS better to light candles of information than to curse the darkness with ignorance and malice. New Haven has phenomenal potential; let us try to harness it. We can achieve a great deal of good by pulling together positively.

We invite you to visit and check out the videos and articles linked below and to share them.

http://youtu.be/0eC79McPb5w - Toni Harp - complete program – 59:07 mins

YOUTH-AT-RISKS – How To Keep Kids Out Of Jail- http://youtu.be/g8D4WRFeI-s - 17 mins

http://youtu.be/KUfLtZYkRG4 - Education - Lowering the Recidivism Rate

http://youtu.be/TVP4zMx_JtQ -     Parent 411- Pt1: A 14 mins Video - Parents CAN Play A Vital Role in Reducing Suspensions & Expulsions In CT Public Schools

http://www.oneworldpi.org/index.html We focus on health literacy, education and on POSITIVE Civic Engagement . Please visit us on our YouTube channel at: https://www.youtube.com/user/oneworldpi/videos  - We are also on Facebook

Please read the complete article in the NHI: Prison Reentry Program Gets “Fresh Start”

http://www.newhavenindependent.org/index.php/archives/entry/city_pr...