On May 22, 2018, the Lycoming County Reentry Service Center held its seventh transition ceremony at the Community Theatre League. The ceremony saw the most participants that have graduated from the program since its inception in September 2014. Out of the forty-eight graduating participants, twenty-eight attended the ceremony.
Among the guest speakers for the event were Lycoming Count Prison Warden Brad Shoemaker, Lycoming County Judge Marc Lovecchio, and Lycoming County Commissioner Tony Mussare. Warden Brad Shoemaker commented on how he was grateful for programs such as those provided at the Lycoming County Reentry Service Center because they help former inmates learn the skills needed to a be a successful member of society and reduce recidivism.
Judge Marc Lovecchio had five rules of advice for the graduating class which included leaving your ego behind, letting go of regrets, being honest with not only others but yourself, catch yourself before you fall, and use your support system.
Commissioner Tony Mussare told the participants to never doubt this accomplishment in their lives because they should be proud of how far they have come.
Several graduates of the Lycoming County Reentry Service Center spoke about their history of addiction and the positive effect the program had on their lives. All graduates were announced and presented with a certificate of completion and a small gift for successfully completing the program.
After the ceremony, everyone was welcomed back to the center for a light lunch, refreshments, and an open house. Several members of the alumni services group and the community participated in the open house to help show support for the graduates.
