News - 2008
Alabama Therapeutic Education Facility Graduates First Class
West Caldwell, NJ, Sep 26, 2008 - Nearly one-hundred residents from the Alabama Therapeutic Education Facility (ATEF) graduated from the reentry treatment program on September 26. ATEF staff were joined by Alabama Department of Corrections' Commissioner Richard Allen and J. F. Ingram State Technical College President J. Douglas Chambers to honor the graduates and mark this significant milestone on their journey toward successful community reentry.
The first graduating class completed a six month long treatment program that addresses the individual needs of each resident and utilizes CEC's continuum of care model that is proven to reduce recidivism. The ATEF treatment program consists of individual assessments, individual and group counseling, substance abuse treatment, educational services, vocational training, skills-based training, family services, and aftercare/alumni services. The goal of the facility is to provide an intensive treatment program that emphasizes relapse prevention and preparation for transfer into a work-release program.
"I would like to congratulate these ATEF residents on their successful completion of this reentry treatment program. As they move forward into a work release program, I hope they apply the skills gained here toward leading productive and meaningful lives," said Commissioner Allen.
ATEF is a residential reentry center that uses tested cognitive behavioral reentry treatment and vocational training to help offenders change their criminal thinking and behaviors. This facility is the first and largest of its kind in the region and employs nearly 100 area residents.
"ATEF takes great pride providing effective reentry treatment programs to reduce recidivism in the state of Alabama. I am extremely proud of these graduates. The completion of this reentry treatment program represents their commitment and dedication to transforming their lives," said Dr. Donna Sewell, Deputy Director of Treatment at ATEF.
Highlights of the graduation ceremony included speeches by Commissioner Allen and President Chambers. ATEF residents shared their moving stories of how the treatment program has given them the tools necessary to turn their lives around.
Community Education Centers, Inc. (CEC) is the largest provider of offender reentry and in-prison treatment services in America, operating in over 20 states, with over 22,000 individuals in our daily care. CEC provides a full range of therapeutic residential and non-residential reentry services with a documented record of reducing recidivism.
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