October 29, 2015
Contact: Tim Connolly 508-368-7236
Or 508-688-5565
WORCESTER – Partners in the Worcester Re-entry Initiative Program met today to review the success of the past two years and to look toward future collaborations, according to Worcester County District Attorney Joseph D. Early Jr.
“I wanted to bring all the partners together today to recognize everyone’s contribution to the success of the RIP program to date,” Mr. Early said. “We have had several panels of inmates go through the program and only one candidate fail. The impact of the RIP program is truly dynamic.”
The program identifies high-risk jail inmates and offers them the tools they need to make a successful re-entry into the community. The inmates get involved in the program so that by the time they are released, they have already begun changing behaviors. They get advice on seeking jobs and job training, dealing with substance abuse, working toward getting their high school equivalency certificate and some are working with faith-based organizations.
“It’s great to get together with all our partners to double down on high-risk offenders to help them from recommitting crimes in our communities,” Worcester County Sheriff Lew Evangelidis said.
The great cooperation on this initiative is needed among law enforcement and social service agencies.
Mr. Early and Mr. Evangelidis and representatives of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Attorney General’s Office, State Police, Worcester Police, District Court and Superior Court Probation, Parole and the Department of Revenue gathered at the courthouse. Also attending were representatives of Spectrum, the Worcester Community Action Council, Straight Ahead Ministries, Worcester Initiative for Supported Re-entry, Valley Psychiatric Service and Opening Heaven’s Door.