Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Story last updated at 2/22/2012 - 12:07 pm

By Hanna Sebold | For the Capital City Weekly

JUNEAU - On March 3, Juneau community members will return to Lemon Creek Correction Center for the fifth annual Success Inside and Out program. Participants in the program will offer their experiences, knowledge and a helping hand for incarcerated persons who are facing release from custody.

The program's goal is to help male and female inmates avoid the pitfalls of the revolving jail door and start a new life after serving their time. The program is also designed to help victims. If inmates find work and success after their release, they can pay restitution and child support and can give back to the community they harmed.

The day-long program will include break-out sessions led by community members of different disciplines. These sessions address inmates' questions about personal finances, credit counseling, employment, housing, probation, mental health, addiction issues, family, job skills training, exploring spiritual resources as well as art and personal fitness.

According to past participants, one of the most touching moments each year is a discussion with past inmates who are succeeding on the outside. Besides the courage it shows for them to return to LCCC, they bravely share their stories about what landed them in jail, the struggles they faced once released and how they have managed to succeed.

Despite the hard work, the program also offers fun, including a Dress for Success: Dos and Don'ts presentation, providing insight on how to dress appropriately for a job interview. Local musicians Colette Costa and Scott Burton will perform, as well as Paper Moon, a band including Alan Michael, Gordon Sandy, Kelly Henriksen and Martha DeFreest. Each participant will receive a goodie bag and has the opportunity to win door prizes.

The program is made possible by donations of time, treats and prizes from Subway, Bullwinkle's Pizza, The Island Pub, Coogan Construction, Central Council Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska, Northern Sales, SERCC, Little Mermaid and other Juneau businesses and individuals.

Only time will tell if this program works to stop the revolving door. There are many factors that contribute to individuals reoffending, but giving people a helping hand is one way to stop the revolving door.

Anyone who is interested in donating items, such as clothes for the Dress for Success program, watches (to get to work on time), stamps or gift certificates, contact Sharon Heidersdorf at 463-4700.

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Success Inside and Out: Program aims to stop the revolving door to prison