GEO Reentry Services and the Idaho Department of Correction hosted a graduation for 27 individuals on parole who successfully completed the Connection and Intervention Station reentry program as of September. Kenneth Taylor, owner and executive director of Pocatello-based Cognitive Restructuring, and Karina Villarreal, Regional Director for Moonlight Mountain Recovery and Mental Health, were the event’s keynote speakers. Some graduates also shared their experiences from the program.
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“It’s a big deal,” GEO Reentry Program Manager Amy Austin said. “It takes a lot of work to get through this program, and we want to make sure we show everybody that these guys have worked really hard and they deserve all the congratulations. It’s not an easy program and you’re held accountable. They really have been through a lot to get through this program. They work hard. They deserve a lot of credit.”
GEO Reentry staff, family members, community partner agencies, DOC officials and others attended the event recognizing program graduates’ accomplishments. The event was an opportunity for the participants and their support network to celebrate successfully completing this unique program designed to reduce criminal behavior.
The Pocatello CIS is located at 444 Hospital Way, Suite 607. CIS participants 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.
Services are delivered in-person Monday through Friday, and via technology-based programming and virtual services participants can access throughout the state using a cell phone, tablet or computer. This dual format allows GEO Reentry staff to maintain close contact with participants and consistently monitor their progress. Combining in-person and technology-based services allows the DOC to serve individuals across the state and facilitates ongoing contact with participants to support their successful reentry.
“We’ve seen a lot of changes in program participants over time, and we’ve had a lot them come through to see us and update us on their progress,” Austin said.
GEO Reentry operates CIS offices for the DOC in Boise, Idaho Falls, Twin Falls, Lewiston, Nampa-Caldwell, Pocatello and Coeur d’ Alene.