CEC CALIFORNIA’S LONG BEACH RESIDENTS “SUIT UP” FOR EMPLOYMENT
FACILITY IS RECIPIENT OF SUCCESSFUL CLOTHING DRIVE

West Caldwell, NJ November 4 -

In mid-September CEC’s residential reentry facility, the Long Beach Community Correctional Re-Entry Center (LBCCRC) in California, made an appeal for clothing to assist residents in preparing for job interviews and aid in their vocational training preparation. As soon as early October, the facility was in receipt of fifteen brand new suits, dress shirts, ties, belts and shoes that arrived thanks to Arthur Townes, Director of the CEC Alumni Association; Men’s Wearhouse®; Amatallah Ali, Program Counselor at Tully House; Vernon Barnes, Alumni Coordinator and a generous donation box from the CEC Support Center. Mr. Townes worked with Ms. Ali, who contacted the Men’s Wearhouse®. The well-known men’s clothing store had willingly offered to donate business wear for the residents preparing to reenter society and seek employment. The suits were sent to California and set aside for those members who had completed Phase 2 and 4 Job Readiness Groups, and will be utilized for job search efforts and interviews going forward.

“The clothing drive for California’s Long Beach facility was a tremendous success,” said Steve Tomlin, Senior Vice President of Reentry Operations. “Our staff is committed to providing every advantage to assist our residents with preparation for employment and insuring a successful return to society.”

As the Job Readiness residents put on their business apparel the sense of pride was overwhelming. The process of “suiting up” helped instill hope and promote setting employment goals. Dressing the part was a positive factor; the residents assumed a positive attitude as they saw themselves in their new business attire.

“We are extremely grateful to Arthur Townes and Men’s Wearhouse®, as well as Ms. Ali, Mr. Barnes and the donations from the CEC Support Center,” said Dr. Mary Ann Esmieu, Director of LBCCRC. “For many of the residents, it was the first time that they had ever worn a suit. It was great to see so many smiles, laughter, and tears of gratitude. Our staff and residents are very appreciative.”

The facility has a population referred from the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation/ Division of Addiction and Recovery Services (CDCR/DARS), and California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation Division of Adult Parole Operations (DAPO). Residents are provided with an evidence-based Cognitive Behavior Therapy curriculum focusing on criminogenic risks, with assessed needs-based interventions. They receive substance abuse treatment, counseling, anger management, family services, and extensive programming in seeking employment.

CEC is the nation’s leading provider of rehabilitative services for offenders in reentry and in-prison treatment facilities, as well as providing comprehensive management of county, state, and federal jail and detention facilities. The Company provides evidence-based programming for residential and non-residential clients and maintains a documented record of reducing recidivism. CEC services also include SECON, a division that conducts comprehensive drug testing and screening services worldwide.