GEO Reentry Services Holds Transition Ceremony for Returning Citizens
By Chinta Strausberg
A number of returning citizens recently received certificates of successful completion from the GEO Reentry Services program that helped transform their minds from a life of crime to one of productive citizenry.
The ceremony was held at the Willow Chicago Ministry Center, 418 South Wabash, headed by Pastor Jon Klinepeter who recently visited the Angola Supermax prison in Louisiana, nicknamed the “Alcatraz of the South.” He said those inmates would love to be reentered into society. “Most of the men have been there for about 30-years and have no chance of that,” he said referring to GEO’s reentry program. “I hope they do some day and that they handle it the with the same character and diligence that you have done…,”said Klinepeter.
GEO officials were on hand to praise their clients including Kim Zajicek, Area Manager, Emanuel Barr, Outreach and Operations Manager, Janet Szyzelko, Program Manager for the Chatham GEO Reentry Service Center (RSC) and Sonya Davis, Program Manager for the West Fulton RSC.
State Representative, LaShawn Ford (D-8th) was also present. He praised the program that showcased their best and brightest clients who vowed to stay on track.
During the program, a video was played featuring Rev. Robin Hood, a former gang leader, now inspirational speaker to troubled adolescent youth. Rev. Hood cautioned students against identifying themselves with the 2 letters representing a gang affiliation. Hood warned “Those 2 letters can change your life. Those 2 letters can hurt you.”
Barr said he could relate to the video having grown up in the Englewood community. “I saw a lot of that type of stuff happen in my childhood where one by one, neighborhood kids were disappearing. They were either going to jail or I was going to their funerals,” stated Barr. “Our job was to assist you in putting the train of your lives back on track, but at the end of the day, it wasn’t on us to do that work, it was on you. Each of you made mistakes in life but it is not our mistakes that define us, but our character of heart! You showed that you can make that change which is why we are here to honor you today!”
Daniel Stanford, Client Service Specialist for the Chatham office, sang “I Believe I Can Fly” which set the tone for keynote speaker, Calvin Hoarde, 59, who is a prime example of the program’s success record. Ten-years ago Hoarde was enrolled in the GEO Reentry program having spent two-years in prison for retail theft and drug related charges. Hoarde said the program helped transform his mind and he is now an inspiration and a mentor to others who are returning from prison.
He told the graduates, “You can all be successful. It’s just a matter of wanting it…coming to the realization that you are responsible for what you do and understanding that change can turn around but it won’t happen overnight.”
Hoarde claimed, “I did not want any part of day reporting. I finished my time and just wanted to move on. I had to report daily for alcohol Breathalyzer tests and be ready to perform random drug screenings…. I was resistant and thought that it was a waste of my time.” As he went through the program, Hoarde slowly made significant strides towards his success. He received his Bachelor’s degree from DeVry University and is currently working on his Masters’ degree.
Kim Zajicek, Area Manager of GEO Reentry Services, was elated to see so many participants and families. “It’s exciting because it’s an opportunity to celebrate with these men and women who have accomplished some important steps towards having a better life in the community and a chance for the staff to join with them. “We want to encourage them to do all they can do to achieve their hopes, dreams or aspirations…to live up to their potential that is what this is about…changing their lives in a positive way,” said Zajicek.
Janet Szyzelko, Program Manager for the Chatham Reentry Service Center, said she is extremely proud of the clients personal growth during their time in this program. She was referring to the client’s entering the program six or seven months ago, “they make better choices, are more engaged, and they start to laugh and enjoy life more. I am extremely proud of every one of them.”
GEO Reentry Services has offices at 8007 S. Cottage Grove community and 2650 W. Fulton. Working in conjunction with the Illinois Department of Corrections, GEO Reentry Services is a “one stop shop” of research based programs for men and women on parole designed to reduce recidivism.
“We have an Employment/Education coordinator at each of our sites to help them enroll in school, fill out financial aid paperwork, develop employment soft skills, and connect them to relevant employment opportunities,” said Szyzelko.
When asked about the 6,000 inmates soon to be released from federal prison, she said, “Our office can serve about 110 participants per day…. Chatham and Englewood are one of the largest returning areas for state parolees in District 1 (Chicago). We’re here to assist where we can,” she said.
Those clients who graduated were: Antoinette Avant, Paul Ayers, Justin Baugh, Naeem Cannon; Charles Evans; Style Gray; Bobby Lee; Jimmy Olive (2 certificates); Zenus Singleton (2 certificates); Anthony Dye; Dushawn Gandy; Mario Burley; Jordan Julius; Al Carlos McDonald; Jimmy Olive; Lavelle Butler; Devorak Hiley, Andre Murphy; Toney Williams; Donte Grant; Dangelo Webb; Willie Reeves; Christian Gonzalez; Christopher Malone and Devon Davis.
IDOC Parole Agents William Butler and Robert Long also received recognition for Outstanding Community Corrections through their demonstrated commitment to treatment centered case management.
Chinta Strausberg is a Journalist of more than 33-years, a former political reporter and a current PCC Network talk show host. You can e-mail Strausberg at: Chintabernie@aol.com.
