Life Out From Behind Bars: Local Program Gives Former Inmates Support

More than 30-thousand men and women are living behind bars in missouri`s prisons. Restorative justice specialist Marcia Miller says 97%t of those prisoners will eventually be released. Catholic Charities of Kansas City and St. Joseph`s "Turn Around" program aims to make the transition from prison back into the community a smooth one. The program focuses on meeting each inmate`s needs which can range from transportation, clothing and basic hygiene needs to job training and placement. Miller says everyone in society should be concerned about former inmates` futures. She says it costs almost 30-thousand dollars a year to incarcerate someone. Miller said, "So I would much rather have them be successful and giving back to their community rather than being back in prison." The program served more than one-thousand inmates between it`s St. Joseph and Kansas City locations last year with only two staff members. One former inmate says Miller and the "Turn Around" program helped get her life back on track. Tari England struggled with drug addiction, which sent her to prison several seperate times. The now clean and sober woman vows never to return to her troubled past. Shampoo, soap, and transportation are somethings many of us take for granted. Miller says some people are released from prison with only one set of clothes and living life without the basics makes finding a decent job a difficult task. England said, "When you try to make and you hit an obstacle and you bump your head on the wall every where you turn you just give up and I think a lot of inmates give up." But Miller and the "Turn Around" program trys to make sure that doesn`t happen. England says Miller not only helped her find clothes and toiletries she also supported her emotionally. Today England hangs up scrubs after a full day of work as a house manager at a residential care facility. A job she says wouldn`t exist with out the program`s help. England said, "I hit rock bottom. I was in a rut and a couldn`t get out." But a little financial and emotional support changed England`s way of thinking. She said, "It used to be that when I woke up I didn`t know how I would get through the day now I say what`s next." A new sense of self worth and a new grand baby on the way will keep this proud grandmother busy. England said, "I never ever thought I could be this happy and fullfilled...life is good." The turn around program is funded through private donations. The program accepts clothing, hygiene items and financial donations.You can mail or drop off any donations or call Catholic Charities for more information at 816-561-1835. Catholic Charities: Turn Around Program 902 Edmond St., Suite 204 St. Joseph, MO 64501 (816) 232-2885