TALBOT HALL, NJ, ACKNOWLEDGES DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH

West Caldwell, NJ January 6 -

Talbot Hall in Kearny, NJ, acknowledged October as Domestic Violence (DV) Awareness month by engaging the residents in projects that increase awareness and inform on the issue. Residents used creative expression through artwork and theatrical performance as a method for learning about DV to raise awareness for victims of domestic violence and its prevention.

“It is important for residents to examine the impact domestic violence has on society as part of the residents’ reentry treatment programming,” said Sheila Leonardo, Director of at Talbot Hall. “The modified Therapeutic Community approach in practice here at Talbot Hall encourages providing a forum for learning about issues that support self-examination as a way to change behaviors and thought patterns.”

A powerful informative bulletin board was made by the Creative Energy Crew, two residents of the Tranquility Unit that combined two popular DV Awareness campaigns: “Lighting the Way to Peace,” which symbolizes communities’ concern in shedding light on the devastating effects of domestic violence and the “Candle with the Heart” which represents Mourning, Celebrating, and Connecting all victims of DV. In addition, the residents surrounded both themes with statistics that identify facts regarding both male and female victims.

“Our aim in undertaking these campaigns is that residents going forward will become aware of domestic violence and will stop and think, and take action to prevent it. This is a step towards change and bringing the message back to the community,” said Director Leonardo.

Talbot Hall regularly involves residents with projects that are designed to examine prevalent issues such as DV Awareness, National Recovery Month, Black and Hispanic Heritage, and other relevant topics. Every month units participate in creating artwork to inform and reflect on. Furthermore, all residents are encouraged to incorporate these concerns while conducting Morning Meeting and House Meeting, engaging the entire community in a continuous cycle of learning.

Talbot Hall focuses on comprehensive assessments in an effort to assign individualized treatment. A complete array of reentry services are provided that include GED/educational training, family services, counseling, life skills and alumni services. Residents consist of approximately 500 males referred from the Department of Corrections.

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.