News - 2007
Community Education Centers Believes in Redemption of Ex-Offenders
Roseland, NJ, May 27, 2007 - At the heart of Community Education Centers' offender reentry treatment model is the belief that the offenders in our care should be provided the second chances to become productive and contributing members of society. CEC believes in the opportunity for redemption.
"We believe that ex-offenders who successfully complete a treatment regiment should not be stigmatized and should have equal opportunities to lead successful and productive lives. Offenders face many inadvertent obstacles to their successful reentry-employment, housing and social services are all difficult to obtain." said John J. Clancy, Chairman and CEO of CEC.
In fact, CEC has a proud history of hiring qualified ex-offenders as part of its approach to the reentry process. These individuals work as case managers, senior counselors and operations staff.
"When we hire an ex-offender we look at it as hiring a qualified person who has successfully completed our reentry program and will contribute to our goal of reducing offender recidivism," added Dr. Mackey.
CEC's also maintains an Alumni Association which assists offenders in their transition from treatment back into the community through the provision of supportive services as they face the obstacles and difficulties associated with reentry. The Alumni Association is comprised of former offenders who have successfully completed a CEC program.
As mentors, alumni are available to offenders, before and after release, to provide referral assistance and encourage them to set goals, find jobs, and utilize social services. Ex-offenders that are no longer in the criminal justice system and have been successful in the community can become important role models in the lives of transitional offenders.
Underlying both CEC's treatment approach is the belief that ex-offenders deserve second chances. Most important, evidence-based research has found our programs to be effective in reducing recidivism and we applaud the efforts of both the ex-offenders we have on staff and our Alumni Association in achieving those goals.
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