Staff at the Robeson Confinement in Response to Violation Center in Lumberton, North Carolina, recently partnered with the North Carolina Department of Public Safety for several community events to benefit local organizations and demonstrate the importance of giving back.
The CRV in-prison program, which is run by GEO Reentry Services, has been partnering with the DPS on community service events since 2020, most recently a non-perishable food donation drive for the Lumberton Christian Care Center, a local shelter and food bank. Robeson CRV Substance Abuse Counselor Dedra Baucom set up a donation box for canned foods and dropped off donations at the organization.
“I am proud of the staff for their commitment, not only to the participants they serve directly, but also to the community at large,” said Melissa Weglarz, Northeastern Area Manager of GEO Reentry In-Prison Treatment Services. “The staff are very creative with ways to serve the community and help others in need. I always look forward to their next event.”
Earlier this year, staff from both GEO Reentry and NC DPS also hosted an information session using materials from the American Heart Association to raise awareness about heart disease, stroke and high blood pressure, displaying informational brochures along with candy and paper hearts. CRV staff also partnered with the Salvation Army for a holiday toy drive to benefit Lost Angels, a local children’s group.
The North Carolina DPS’s CRV centers provide 90-day intensive behavior motivation programming for individuals who have committed technical violations of probation, parole or post-release supervision. As part of the highly structured program, offenders are given dormitory-style housing and must participate in classes and activities designed to change criminal thinking, including cognitive intervention groups, substance abuse education and job readiness certification.
They also work with CRV staff to develop an individualized reentry plan to help sustain any positive progress upon their return to the community.
In the months ahead, Robeson CRV staff will continue to keep up a busy schedule of community outreach to help local populations in need, working in cooperation with the NC DPS.
“We are honored to support the community in partnership with the Department of Public Safety,” said Robeson CRV Program Director Ashley Oxendine. “It is rewarding for staff and those in our care to do what we can to help others in need and establish a sense of unity with the community.”