Walk raises money to help local non-violent offenders
By Kirsten Ballard
Published in News on June 14, 2015 1:50 AM
Nizer Jones led a small parade across Royall Avenue.
The 15-year-old was walking for a second chance for others.
He was walking to help place non-violent former offenders in jobs and to keep them out of the system.
His aunt, Carolyn Jones, formed CORP, or Chosen One Re-entry Program, to help place former offenders into the community.
On Saturday, CORP hosted its first ever 5K walk. The 3.1-mile walk raised money for operating costs of the nonprofit.
After the walk, the CORP headquarters at 200 W. Ash St. hosted an open house. Guests could tour, eat and play as they learned more about the program.
"It's family fun and entertainment," Ms. Jones said.
She walked the 3.1-mile proudly, wearing a bright orange top and a smile.
Although the group was small, they were empowered by their mission. A police car and fire truck escorted the 11 walkers.
"I do know lives are being transformed," Ms. Jones said.
She began the group Building Lives of Inmates in North Carolina, or BLINC outreach, after her son was incarcerated.
After getting out, he bounced in and out of the system as he tried to get his life back together.
Now CORP, or Chosen One Re-entry Program, has a seven-step process to recruit, educate and place non-violent felons, the homeless and veterans into jobs. The program also assesses and addresses any mental health or addiction issues.
The participants are placed into jobs at companies such as Case Farms, Butterball and Sanderson farms.
Retired social worker and case manager Clara Murray is very close to the cause as well.
"Once you know someone in prison, you care," she said.
She joined CORP in January 2014.
"It came from a love for people," she said.
She worked as a social worker for 30 years. Now, she helps the CORP participants find a new track in life.
In addition to her work with CORP, Ms. Murray participates in prison ministry and hopes to run a children's camp this summer. She enjoys giving back to the community. She says CORP is not just a second chance for non-violent offenders; it is a prevention program for the youth in the area.
"We want to prevent them from going through the system," she said.
Her work at CORP gives her the satisfaction of helping people find their way.
"They're more than just a piece of paper," she said. "They really do need a second chance."