Community Alternatives of the Black Hills Holds Successful Open House

41 guests visit South Dakota Facility

West Caldwell, NJ January 6 -

Community Alternatives of the Black Hills in Rapid City, South Dakota, held a very successful Open House on October 27th that hosted local officials and members of the community who visited the residential reentry center that accommodates 68 males and females recommended from the South Dakota Department of Corrections, the Federal Bureau of Prisons and U.S. Probation. The Open House had 41 guests in attendance, including the Honorable Terri Haverly, State Senator for the 35th District of South Dakota, Ritchie Nordstrom, Rapid City City Council, Don Hedrick, Assistant Police Chief Rapid City, and representatives from Parole, Federal Probation, Health and Human Services, Department of Labor, and other various government and nonprofit agencies.

“We were honored to host our esteemed guests and have this opportunity to introduce the community to CABH,” said Emily Bottoms, Vice President of Reentry Operations for the Western Region. “Our aim at the Open House is to create awareness of our mission at the facility, and encourage good community relationships. CABH does a tremendous job in providing evidence-based programming that is designed to create a productive lifestyle for a successful return to the community for our residents.”

The facility is creating a Community Relations Advisory Board and as a result of the Open House gained some new members. The Board bridges CABH’s relationship with the community, serving as a resource forum, and lets the community know how the facility works, what it does for residents, and how the federal system works. The large crowd of visitors had a tour of the facility, were introduced to staff, and had time for Q&A regarding the facility and its programming. Refreshments were provided.

“The Open House was a successful event for all at the facility,” said Tessa LaHaie, Director of CABH. “We are very proud of our staff and the programming we provide. Our community relationships are important to us, as community service is a focus here. Our residents do many hours of community service; it is a positive vehicle in preparation for returning offenders to society as productive citizens and combatting recidivism.”

Evidence-based reentry programming at the facility includes psycho-educational groups, “Criminal Thinking” cognitive therapy groups, employment skills, gender-specific treatment, family services and community service. The facility serves a large Native American population and takes pride in including services that are sensitive to the culture. Methods for healing and recovery from addiction designed by Native Americans are practiced at CABH including Talking Circle, Sweat Lodge and Red Road Recovery Groups.

CABH is affiliated with National Relief Charities and the Cornerstone Rescue Mission. CABH staff and residents participate in supplying volunteers for food drives for the needy, cleaning buildings and banquet/event set ups, as well as other service-oriented needs.

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.