MONROE, La. (KNOE) - A second chance. That’s the goal of a re-entry program designed to help former offenders build new lives.
This program is all about preparation. GEO Re-entry Services, in partnership with the Monroe Probation and Parole Office, opened their doors to show how evidence-based programs can make a difference.
At the Monroe Day Reporting Center, helping someone get back on their feet starts with how they think. Program director Devon Carpenter says the open house raises awareness about the program and increases chances of more success stories.
“Bridge the gap between community resources in the area to kind of introduce people to our building and what we do here, introduce our staff and kind of our programs and things that we have going on,” said Carpenter.
Individuals referred by Monroe Probation and Parole can access the program. Once they are in, staff focuses on connecting them to the help they need whether it’s inside the center or out in the community.
“We work strictly with participants who are referred to us through Monroe Probation and parole. They get referred to us for a variety of reasons and we kind of meet their needs,” said Carpenter.
Carpenter says he hopes the program continues to grow, especially when it comes to its partnerships for people in the program to gain the support they need.
“I would like to connect with more community resources. There are certain things that we can’t offer our participants,” said Carpenter.
Carpenter says the Monroe Day Reporting Center is more than a checkpoint, it’s a support system that’s focused on second chances and safer communities.
