Experience what its like to get out of prison

On April 21st the Springfield Restorative Justice Center will host a special Offender Re-Entry Simulation for the public.

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EXPERIENCE WHAT IT'S LIKE TO GET OUT OF PRISON

The Compass

When an offender is released from prison into the community the hard times are not necessarily over. When the prison gates close behind them he or she will face multiple new challenges that must be met if they are to be successful in remaining outside under supervision until their sentence is complete. On April 21st the Springfield Restorative Justice Center will host a special Offender Re-Entry Simulation for the public and those who work in the field that will provide a glimpse into what those challenges are and how and when they must be met according to the rules of release.
Each workshop participant will be given the role of an offender and their unique list of tasks that must be accomplished within a strict timetable during one month. Among the tasks could be paying restitution, attending A.A. or N.A. meetings, checking in with parole officers, finding housing and a job, arranging for transportation and child care, going to counseling, paying child support. The pressure of time will be heightened by breaking each week into fifteen minute segments. As in the real world, if the tasks are not accomplished on schedule, each offender may face sanctions or a return to prison. Without family support, income or transportation many will fail.
Join us for this free program on Thursday April 21st, 12:30 to 4:30 at the Turning Point Recovery Center, at the end of Pearl Street in Springfield. There are a limited number of seats available, so please RSVP to Wendi or Mary at 885.8707 or springfieldrjc@vermontel.net