Walk-a-thon to help offenders re-entering society
By John Joyce
Published in News on June 10, 2015 1:46 PM
More than 100 people and 15 businesses have already registered for Saturday's Chosen One Reentry Program Walk-a-Thon, scheduled for 7:45 a.m.
The 5-K fundraiser is intended to raise money for operating costs for the non-profit that helps non-violent offenders with work certification and job placement.
"We have had more than 600 people come through our program since we began in 2009. At least 200 have successfully completed the program and continue to maintain employment," Executive Director Carolyn Jones said.
The purpose of CORP is to reduce recidivism in Wayne and surrounding counties by helping former offenders that are non-violent, as well as the homeless and veterans, by educating and equipping them with the necessary tools to succeed.
Employers include Case Farms, Butterball and Sanderson Farms, among others.
Mrs. Jones started the program after losing a brother to the prison system. He served 11 years and was murdered the day after he was released. Since then, other family members and acquaintances have been sent to prison, only to find it difficult to find and maintain employment and housing upon release.
CORP, run solely by volunteers and funded strictly by grants and donations, enrolls non-violent felons fresh out of prison and assesses their needs.
"They must be 21-years-old, they have to be non-violent offenders, and they must be drug free, with no pending court cases," Mrs. Jones said.
Following the assessment, which carries a $30 fee for processing, the enrollee is put through any necessary addiction and/or mental health counseling. They are then set up with whatever housing and transportation assistance they might qualify for and they are offered classroom assistance at CORP.
CORP also works through Wayne Community College to get its program members work certifications and apprenticeships that better qualify them for employment.
Saturday's event is expected to raise $1,500 to cover some of the costs incurred by the many services CORP provides.
"We received a $10,000 grant last month and we are working to raise funds," Mrs. Jones said.
Pre-registration is already going on. The costs to register is $20 per individual, or $25 to sponsor a person who is walking. Businesses can sponsor the event for $100.
The 5K will begin at 1210 Clingman St. at 7:45 a.m. and work its way back to CORP headquarters at 200 W. Ash St. Mrs. Jones and the CORP staff, all volunteers, will host an open house and on-site enrollment for qualifying offenders. The even will be family friendly, she said.
"We will have live music, face painting, a couple of vendors and display tables," Mrs. Jones said.
To register, or for more information, contact Carolyn Jones at 919-947-0649, or send emails to jonescarolyn1977@ att.net.