When an individual on probation or parole has completed a GEO Reentry-managed reentry program, it is a big day for the individual, his or her family and friends, staff at the center, agency personnel who fund and oversee the program, and the community at large. It is a day when GEO Reentry organizes a formal graduation ceremony – called a transition celebration – to mark this major milestone for individuals who have successfully completed a rigorous program that has held them accountable for behavior change.
In Idaho, two recent graduations in Idaho Falls and Lewiston highlight the positive results of these events. The Idaho Department of Correction oversees and funds these reentry programs, called Connection and Intervention Stations, throughout the state. GEO Reentry manages each of these, which are designed to change criminal thinking and reduce recidivism, in addition to a transitional housing program.
In Lewiston, the event’s keynote speaker was Joene Cliffe, an independent living advocate with Lewiston’s Disability Action Center. Bree Derrick, Director of the Idaho Department of Correction, attended as well. Staff and some of the graduates shared comments on their journey through the program.
“At the end of this program is for them to have received skills and strategies to get them through the rest of their life,” said GEO Reentry Program Manager Rachel Sutton, who oversees the Lewiston CIS program. “We have the ability to reach individuals. It’s very much on an individual level because even if one person makes a change in their life that affects generations after them.”
»Read news coverage from the Lewiston graduation: KLEW News Coverage
In Idaho Falls, the CIS program held its graduation in May. More than two dozen individuals participated in the event, which was held at a local Hampton Inn.
At the event Evette Navedo, the overall Idaho State Manager for GEO Reentry Services, spoke about the importance of community and support in each graduate’s journey. “This journey is not done alone,” Navedo said. “I realized: you’re a multiplier. The change you decided to make is connected to the entire community.”
Several graduates addressed the audience at the graduation. Said one: “They gave me the skills I needed for long-term goals. They’re the first people that have made me think people could care about us.”
»Read news coverage from the Idaho Falls graduation: East Idaho News Coverage
The Idaho Department of Correction refers individuals to the CIS locations to undergo multi-phase evidence-based programming that includes an individualized behavior change plan to address criminogenic risks and needs; access to community resources for employment, education, housing and more; case management; and classes that encourage them to confront their beliefs and practice pro-social decision-making. GEO Reentry operates CIS offices for the DOC in Boise, Idaho Falls, Twin Falls, Lewiston, Nampa-Caldwell, Pocatello and Coeur d’ Alene.