West Caldwel, NJ, Oct 16 -

Earlier this month, Bermudian government officials visited Community Education Centers’ Key and Crest programs in Wilmington, Delaware. Their stop was part of Bermuda’s effort to implement the first ever correction’s based Therapeutic Community on the island.

“The Key and Crest programs have long been the stop of international experts looking for a therapeutic community treatment model to replicate. The program has a rich history of providing quality and effective reentry treatment services that reduce recidivism,” sad Jim Elder, Director of CEC’s Delaware operations.

The guests from Bermuda included Shawnette K. Joell-Benjamin, Bermuda Department of Corrections Assistant Commissioner, Joane L. Deane from the Bermudian Department of National Drug Control, Donna Trott from the Island’s Department of Court Services and Preston Swan representing the Bermuda Hospital Board.

During their stay in Delaware, the Bermudian contingent attended a Morning Meeting at Key North, observed a Community Meeting at Crest North and participated in an experiential Therapeutic Community training along with staff from the Delaware DOC and CEC.

“My only regret was that their team could not stay longer and spend more time with the CEC staff to learn more about their dynamic approach to substance abuse treatment. The professionalism, hospitality and expertise of CEC’s Delaware staff have been invaluable toward advancing the Bermudian government’s TC start up initiative,” said Joell-Benjamin, Assistant Commissioner at the Delaware Department of Corrections.