Christian Living

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Larry Lilly's Letter Wednesday July 23, 2008

All informed parties agree that most men and women coming out of prison could use a boost to get in the saddle of honest employment. There are few exceptions such as the stock broker who had the humiliation of being picked up at the nearest airport in his 25 million dollar Gulfstream. That he is an exception is obvious. Most leave prison destined for a time at a half way house and there the rip off begins, usually.

Several national and smaller local organizations operate Half Way houses to help the ex offender assimilate back into society; actually try to help many who have spent their life on the outer fringes of society. Most have no clue as to how society works or of responsibility for their actions or to others. Many of the programs supposedly designed to help them are funded through large government grants, called “Faith based.” On paper these efforts are commendable.

In actuality the real world is quite different. At least from the perspective of ex offenders and employers who are trying to help the inhabitants of half way houses. ABC, The New York Times and several other major media have conducted undercover investigations and talk about eye openers.

The below quote from the July 21, 2008 Indianapolis Star is in response to an article the Star ran about Indianapolis about Coach Dungy being the chair of a program to place ex offenders in decent jobs. Mayor Ballard is developing a team of real winners to develop programs with capable people staffing them to help give released prisoners a decent chance. I wish him well and pray for the success of the program.

Read with care this response from a business which gives released prisoners in the INDY area a real chance.

"First thing they need to do is replace all the inept workers that try to manage V.O.A. I've hired a few workers from that program for my business and while the workers themselves did a good job, trying to deal with the program directors is a different story. I will not hire another work release employee due to the program managers, not because of the offenders."

Having concerned community leaders like Mayor Ballard and Coach Tony Dungy at the helm may force much needed change in many of the programs that seem to take advantage of the very people they are trying to give a boost up in life. The tip of the iceberg is revealed in the case of Johnston v. VOA. You can read it at http://ca10.washburnlaw.edu/cases/2000/05/99-5132.htm

It is one thing to hear of disgruntled ex offenders, but for a Federal Appeals Court to agree with the Plaintiffs, who are ex offenders, is tantamount to Moses crossing the Red Sea on dry ground.

A program here in Terre Haute is run by a larger business to help released prisoners and the business practices fairness in its policies. It is working with the workers from this program establishing a good work record thus earning a recommendation for a better job in higher paying companies which are also cooperating.

Larry Lilly Copyright © 2008 Use with credit

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