News - 2006
Accomplished Author Addresses Cheyenne Mountain Re-Entry Center Residents
Roseland, NJ, Jun 6, 2006 - Accomplished author Gary Skinner addressed over 300 residents at the Cheyenne Mountain Re-Entry Center (CMRC) in May about his positive experiences after incarceration.
"CMRC was pleased to have Mr. Skinner share his successful story of reentry. We look forward to his return as his message so closely parallels the mission of CEC - to change lives so that successful reentry becomes the norm," said Robert Hood, Director of CMRC.
Mr. Skinner is the author of "Plain Vanilla Wrapper," which chronicles his inspiring journey and details the trials of his successful reentry. Mr. Skinner also provided over 200 free copies of his book to CMRC residents.
Since his incarceration, Mr. Skinner has spoke in various prison settings to encourage offenders to make sincere life-changes. He plans to start small weekly groups at CMRC that will assist CEC residents in their reentry planning. Mr. Skinner is currently a staff member at the New Life Church in Colorado Springs. For the past seven years he has served as an associate pastor and is also a successful business man in the Colorado Springs community.
"As strange as it may sound, I found my time at CMRC to be delightful. All of the staff, including Robert Hood and Tom McGuire, were extremely cooperative and encouraging in allowing me to present some of my life experiences for the purpose of showing an example of what is possible after prison. The tone, the atmosphere, and the attitudes of CEC are obviously geared toward making a positive difference in prisoner's lives," said Mr. Skinner.
According to Tom McGuire, Executive Assistant at CMRC, Mr. Skinner is one of 145 trained volunteers at CMRC who are being integrated into the reentry program and are conducting faith groups and 12 step programs for residents.
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