Targeted Restart helps transition people from incarceration.
MARQUETTE, MI -- Their stories were compelling: two people striving to change bad habits and give back to society.
The challenge, portrayed in a role play, to help society and themselves see past the prison stripes.
Leslie and Jamie were recently paroled from prison, to live in the U.P. They both desire to leave lives of addiction and bad choices behind them.
"When you come out here, you're just released and you're like, okay, what do I do?" said Leslie Bellmer. "Where do I go? What am I supposed to...? It's all left up to you to do. It's very stressful. And it's very easy to go back to thinking, okay, I'm done and give up."
That's where a new program called Targeted Restart comes in. It's a new faith-based, non-profit group that, starting in January, will offer mentoring, employment workshops, and other transitional programs for ex-prisoners.
"We're trying to get the word out to local non-profits," said Board Chair, Steve Gillotte. "We've had meetings with the Michigan prison re-entry initiative in getting clients, customers referred to us, so they can benefit from the program."
Right now they're looking for mentors willing to help an inmate transition into the community.
"I think that person who has lived a good life and raised a family and done well in society has something to offer a person who has not," said Grace United Methodist Pastor, Nick Scroggins. "And that's what we bring."
Targeted Restart Incorporated will present the same information next week at the Peter White Public Library from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. for those interested in the program or becoming a mentor.
1:00 p.m. - Newsroom - October 29, 2009
Board Members and volunteers with Targeted Restart Incorporated presented several skits this morning. Their goal was to show the challenges people face as they leave prison and rejoin society. They're hoping today's message will compel some to volunteer as mentors for the program, which gets underway in January.
I also met a former parole officer who challenged me to note the difference between responsibility and seriousness. He said people often confuse the two, which is why he now wears a red nose, and gave one to me to wear. His story doesn't fit into today's piece, but he did challenge me to look at life a little less serious, but still responsibly. I was glad to meet him.
But perhaps the most compelling message of the morning came from two former prison inmates. They talked about their past addiction. They also both want to give back to society and are currently searching for ways to volunteer and find employment.
Watch your TV6 Early News for their story and more about the new program that's hoping to help people with similar stories.
9:20 a.m. - Newsroom - October 29, 2009
This morning I'm headed to the Peter White Public Library for the Targeted Restart Program. It's a new faith-based, mentoring program that helps men and women coming home from incarceration, transition into the community.
The board of directors will explain the program and role play to show the audience how a therapeutic setting can help them stay away from substance abuse, as well as create a supportive environment.
Check back later for an update.
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