Boston- At an awards ceremony held in the Nurse’s Hall at the State House, the Offender Re–entry Program received recognition for its enhancement of public safety. Presented by the Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety, the first annual Excellence in Public Safety Awards was held Thursday, July 20.

The Offender Re–entry Program (ORP), run by Director Kamilah Drummond, was among twelve organizations recognized at the ceremony. Awards were presented for two categories, Outstanding Achievement and Meritorious Achievement. ORP was one of eight programs granted the Meritorious Achievement Award.

ORP, a collaborative effort of the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Department, Bunker Hill Community College, and Youth Opportunity Boston, is a two–stage re–entry program for males at the Suffolk County House of Correction. The first stage offers writing, computer, and job and life skills training. The eight weeks culminates with a presentation made by each participant in front of staff and peers. The participants present a portfolio of their work, as well as an individual discharge plan.

The second stage of ORP begins after the participants have been released from the House of Correction and reinforces the discharge plans. The program eases the transition back into society by offering employment assistance and academic counseling, as well as clothing for interviews, financial assistance for public transportation, and books for school. ORP caseworkers contact the released participants once a week for the first month after release and once a month for the following five months.

“The Offender Re–entry Program is an excellent program and has been very successful,” said Sheriff Andrea J. Cabral. “I’m very pleased that the efforts of Kamilah and her team have been recognized by the Executive Office of Public Safety.”

return to Press Release index

:: top of page ::