From 2009 to 2014, the state of Georgia released an average of 20,000 prisoners each year back into their communities, according to the Georgia Center for Opportunity. Nationally, four in 10 prisoners return to prison after three years, according to the Pew Center.
It was statistics like these that led Dr. David Boyle and numerous others to create the LaFayette Area Corrections Task Force, an organization dedicated to providing assistance and services for citizens returning to their local communities after being released.
“Oftentimes, people will leave prison with a bus ticket and $25 and be told to report to an officer within a week,” said Boyle. “For people who have lost connections with their families or communities, this can result in them ending back up in trouble.”
The task force is hosting a meeting Saturday, April 29 at Highlands Presbyterian Church for individuals interesting in becoming part of a mentoring program organized in conjunction with the Georgia Department of Community Supervision. The workshop will educate attendees on how to properly mentor someone trying to re-enter their community after serving time in jail or prison.
“People that want to help and have the motivation to help will get necessary skills in relationship building and support for a returning citizen,” Boyle said.