Akron Community Coalition Helps Ex-Cons August 3, 2004
News Summary
Clergy, social-service workers, police, and others are working together in Akron, Ohio, to assist some of the 26,000 inmates released annually from Ohio prisons, the Akron Beacon Journal reported Aug. 2.Inmates returning to the community, like Larri Lee, 48, often find their path to employment blocked by their criminal record. The community group led by city councilwoman Renee Greene works to help ex-felons like Lee find jobs, improve their outlook on life, and reconnect with their families. The new coalition would also like to create a community-education forum on resources available to returning offenders, and set up a mentorship program.
Nearly one in 10 released Ohio prisoners comes back to the Akron area, and officials agree that a community-based approach is needed to prevent them from returning to crime and prison. The coalition is hoping to get federal grant money to support its work.
The success of people in recovery, like Howard "Ralph" McCafferty, 47, provides inspiration. McCafferty, who has been clean and sober for nine years, went from addiction and illiteracy to owning his own carpet-installation business.
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