august 2015 css washtenaw prisoner reentry … · css washtenaw prisoner reentry program in 2005,...
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AUGUST 2015
CSS WASHTENAW PRISONER REENTRY PROGRAM
In 2005, the Michigan Prisoner Re-entry Initiative (MPRI) was established
by Governor Jennifer M. Granholm and the Michigan Department of
Corrections. MPRI is based on a model developed by the National Institute
of Corrections that forms a network of services created to transition former
prisoners back into the community.
The program is centered on prevention, rehabilitation, and accountability,
with a special focus on education, treatment, and life skills. MPRI consists
of three phases that begin with the prisoner’s intake process, extend
through the incarceration period, and continue once the prisoner is
discharged.
Since being implemented in 2005, MPRI has been hugely successful and
has quickly become a nationally-recognized model for re-entry. MPRI was credited to have reduced the recidivism rate by
more than 25 percent in Michigan and it has led to the creation of the statewide Michigan Prisoner Re-entry Program in
2008, which has 18 sites that covers all 83 counties in Michigan.
Catholic Social Services of Washtenaw County started their Prisoner Re-entry Program in 2009, which is funded by the state,
to assist former prisoners for up to 6 months after their release from a state prison. Prisoners are selected by parole agents
while still incarcerated and are referred to CSS to receive services such as job training, housing, healthcare, transportation,
and anything else they might need during the first 6 months of their release. The goal of the program is to help former
prisoners get back on their feet by equipping them with the resources needed to tackle the stigma that prevents them from
obtaining housing and employment following their prison sentence.
One year ago, the Prisoner Re-entry program began partnering with Food Gatherers (FG) to create a food pantry for newly
released prisoners who find themselves without a support system and in need of food. Former prisoners who are in need
receive a care package on their first day out of prison that consists of 9 meals to last them for 3 days so that the Re-entry
Program has time to get them connected to long-term food resources.
Clients receive non-perishable items such as pasta, tomato sauce, tuna, crackers, and soups in their care packages, but
there are always a few special treats, like candy, included as well. Around 150 clients a year utilize the food pantry, which is
about half of the clients that the Re-entry Program serves yearly. While the partnership between FG and the Re-entry
Program is fairly new, we are grateful to help serve a community of individuals who are clearly in need of FG services!
A couple of care packages ready to go at CSS for
recently released prisoners.
CYBERCHAT WITH PRISONER REENTRY INTERIM COORDINATOR DEVON COLBERG
INTRODUCING WASHTENAW COUNTY ID CARD PROGRAM!
Everything you need to know about Washtenaw County’ ID Card Program!
What is it? The new Washtenaw County ID program provides community
members with access to a government-issued ID that validates their identity
and residency.
Why do we need one? Without an ID you cannot prove who you are to law
enforcement, the bank, leasing companies, social service agencies, etc. This
creates a barrier to many people who live right in your community!
500 ID cards were issued in the first week of the program, which was the projected number for the entire year!
Who is this helping? Your neighbors! The ID program helps undocumented
individuals, older adults, homeless individuals, people of lower
socioeconomic status and many more who are living in Washtenaw
County.
For more information on how to get help your clients obtain an ID, visit http://
www.ewashtenaw.org/government/clerk_register/washtenaw-county-id-card-
program
How can YOU help? Refer clients to this program who need an ID and
visit the website for sample letters you can write to
help your clients prove residency or get financial
assistance.
Accept the Washtenaw ID card as a form of
identification at your food pantries and meal
Programs.
Get an ID for yourself to reduce the occurrence of
stigmatization with the cards use.
What brought you to work for CSS? How long have you worked with the Reentry Program?
I heard about the program when it was still known as the Michigan
Prisoner Reentry Initiative. The ideas it was based on resonated in a
big way, and I returned to school with the intent of one day working
here. I’ve worked here for almost two years.
Do you have a client success story where the client no longer needed your services?
We have a lot of those stories. The end goal is to get them to a place
where they don’t need us anymore. Some become business owners,
others pursue college degrees, and others go on to be great parents to
the kids they left behind.
What would you like others to know about the people you serve?
They are just that – people. They’ve paid their debts, according to our
laws, and deserve a second chance. Saying they’re bad for the rest of their lives because they’ve done something bad often becomes
a self-fulfilling prophecy. People tend to behave the way we expect them to.
What are you most passionate about?
Helping people discover the magnitude of what they’re worth and what they deserve from themselves, despite what other people
might think that worth is.
What is your favorite thing about running a food pantry?
I like trying to imagine people on their first day out of prison finding something in the kits we put together that really excites them.
Maybe something they missed while they were on the inside or something they’d always wanted to try. They find that item and it
makes what’s typically a really overwhelming day a little easier to handle.
What are you most proud of about your program and the work that you do?
I’m proud of the people I work with and the fact that they show up every day, sometimes to deal with really unexpected things, and
consistently treat our clients and cohorts well. Clients often remember our caseworkers by name, even if it’s been years since they
interacted. They remember them because they had a good experience and were treated with kindness.
(From left to right) CSS Interns Joseph Kruse and Lynn Khoo, CSS
Resource Specialists Marissa Dawson and Rita Spearman, and
Prisoner Reentry Interim Coordinator Devon Colberg outside of
Catholic Social Services.
SO LONG, FAREWELL
WEBWINDOW INVENTORY SPOTLIGHT
Is that your natural hair color? Diana (D): Of course.
Kristie (K): Of course not.
What has being an AmeriCorps member taught you?
D: Teamwork. We’re all working towards the same
goal here at FG, even though we all do different jobs.
K: That patience and kindness go a long way. And
that it is totally acceptable to keep your coffee cup from
Panera so you can go back and get free refills later.
What did you enjoy most about working with FG’s Partner Programs? D: Learning the many different ways our partner programs are
helping to make our community a better place. K: Being inspired and humbled by the amazing work that people do
every day in our community. Our partners go above and beyond for
their clients and it’s so inspiring to witness and be a part of. Where can we find you when you aren't working at Food Gatherers?
D: At Kroger, wandering through their aisles looking for new
products to try.
K: Playing outside! I love anything that lets me hang outside all day,
especially hiking, running, and frolicking.
If you had a cooking show, what would it be called?
D: “Everyday is
National
Avocado Day”
K: “A Million and
One Ways to Make
Seriously (Like,
Seriously) Amazing
Oatmeal” What are you off to do after August 15th?
D: Attending the University of Illinois at Chicago to
receive my Bachelor’s in Dietetics.
K: I’m Boston bound! I’ll be pursuing my MPH full time at Boston
University with a dual concentration in Epidemiology and Global
Health.
What will you miss most about working at FG?
D: The carrots. And the amazing coworkers. It’s a tie!
K: My awesome coworkers, all the fantastic community partners,
and all the wonderful families who participated in the Healthy
School Pantry Program!
On August 15th, Food Gatherers will saying farewell to AmeriCorps
VISTAs and CFP members Diana Beltran and Kristie Khatibi. In
light of their impending departure, we’ve sat them down to ask
them all the questions we’ve been dying to ask all year!
What is an Americorps VISITA, you ask?
VISTAs make a full-time commitment for a year with
nonprofit organizations to create or expand programs to bring
people and communities out of poverty. For more info, visit
http://www.nationalservice.gov/programs/americorps.
AmeriCorps VISTAs Diana Beltran and Kristie
Khatibi hanging out at Food Gatherers!
What’s On This Month’s Menu? Mini Beef Ravioli in Tomato Sauce!
Want a delicious meal ready in seconds? Look no further than the classic, fun flavor of Pasta Select’s
Mini Beef Ravioli! Just pop open a can and enjoy a simple, microwavable meal in less than three minutes. Stuffed with flavorful ingredients, these mini beef raviolis provide 5 grams of protein in
every serving!
Ravioli Florentine Soup
1/2 pound ground beef or turkey
4 cans (7.5 oz each) Mini Beef Ravioli
1 can (14.5 oz each) low sodium diced Tomatoes, undrained
1 can (14 oz each) reduced-sodium chicken broth
1 cup water
2 cups baby spinach leaves
Shredded Parmesan Cheese to taste
Cook ground meat in large saucepan over medium-high heat until crumbled and no longer pink, stirring
occasionally; drain. Add all remaining ingredients to saucepan; simmer 15 minutes or until spinach wilts
completely. Sprinkle shredded Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Product Information:
Packaging: 12/7.5 oz
Price/Case: $6.95
Category: Purchased Product
Reference Number: 704121
Storage: Dry
Nutrition Description: Slow
Made with love by the Community Food Programs Department Markell Miller, Manager of Community Food Programs Department, [email protected] Please contact Markell for any issues regarding your new program inquiries, billing, and any concerns or program challenges. LeRonica Roberts, Community Food Programs Coordinator, [email protected] Please contact LeRonica with questions regarding your food bank orders, the Summer Food Service Program, delivery profile, billing, site visits, and any concerns or program challenges. Diana Beltran, Meal Program VISTA, [email protected] Please contact Diana with issues regarding site visits, pantry shopping, and civil rights training. Erin Freeman, Food Access VISTA, [email protected] Please contact Erin with questions regarding Food Gatherers’ website edits, Webwindow photos, recall emails, SNAP outreach, demographic data collection, and ServSafe Training. Kristie Khatibi, Food Access VISTA, [email protected] Please contact Kristie with questions regarding the Healthy School Pantry Program, Gatherings, Hunger Referral Guide, produce surveys, and pantry shopping. Shaira Daya, Nutrition Projects Coordinator, [email protected] Please contact Shaira with questions regarding nutrition education, cooking demonstrations, healthy recipes or produce promotion tips!
1 Carrot Way Ann Arbor, MI, 48105
www.foodgatherers.org 734-761-2796