Community Reentry Program“Part of the reason why I committed crime was that I felt no connection to the community I lived in. …Walking on my own two feet alongside my mentor has given me the room to forge connections supported by empathy, respect, trust, and compassion.” - Rob Porter, former Reentry Center Resident |
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Partnering with the Maine Coastal Regional Reentry Center
The Maine Coastal Regional Reentry Center (Reentry Center) located in Belfast, Maine is an innovative residential program serving primarily Waldo, Knox, Hancock counties, with others coming from throughout the state. The overarching goal of the Reentry Center is to provide maximum support for an inmate’s successful reentry back into his home community.
Who are the residents? The residents are men who have been serving their sentences at the State Prison facilities, the regional jails, or the Federal Prison. They apply to come to the Reentry Center and are screened for appropriate fit. They are all deemed "high risk" for recidivism, but must demonstrate a desire to partake in the program in order to be accepted. They range in age from 20 to 50, with the majority between 23 and 33. Like most Mainers, many of them enjoy outdoor activities like hiking and getting out on the water, particularly fishing. Some are talented musicians or artists.
What is life like at the Reentry Center? While at the Reentry Center, the men participate in 200-300 hours of programs that focus on changing criminogenic thinking, pro-social behavior and relationships, substance use, parenting, non-violent communication and, of course, restorative justice. They also look at educational opportunities, such as college courses or getting a GED. During their first four months at the center, they spend about ten hours a week in classes, ten hours a week doing community service (e.g. at the transfer station or setting up for town festivals), and have a regular shift in the kitchen.
The Maine Coastal Regional Reentry Center (Reentry Center) located in Belfast, Maine is an innovative residential program serving primarily Waldo, Knox, Hancock counties, with others coming from throughout the state. The overarching goal of the Reentry Center is to provide maximum support for an inmate’s successful reentry back into his home community.
Who are the residents? The residents are men who have been serving their sentences at the State Prison facilities, the regional jails, or the Federal Prison. They apply to come to the Reentry Center and are screened for appropriate fit. They are all deemed "high risk" for recidivism, but must demonstrate a desire to partake in the program in order to be accepted. They range in age from 20 to 50, with the majority between 23 and 33. Like most Mainers, many of them enjoy outdoor activities like hiking and getting out on the water, particularly fishing. Some are talented musicians or artists.
What is life like at the Reentry Center? While at the Reentry Center, the men participate in 200-300 hours of programs that focus on changing criminogenic thinking, pro-social behavior and relationships, substance use, parenting, non-violent communication and, of course, restorative justice. They also look at educational opportunities, such as college courses or getting a GED. During their first four months at the center, they spend about ten hours a week in classes, ten hours a week doing community service (e.g. at the transfer station or setting up for town festivals), and have a regular shift in the kitchen.
What services does RJP provide for residents?
- Facilitation and support of mentor matches for all residents for a minimum of three sessions and usually for 6-12 months.
- Provide a five-week introductory course on Restorative Justice.
- Organize pro-social events/outings such as hiking, bowling, cooking and kayaking.
- Facilitate individual problem solving as well as "reentry circles" when the residents are ready for release.
- Facilitate Community Resolution Conferences when residents have an infraction at the center or in the community.
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How does the mentor fit in? Currently about 85% of the residents have mentors. The relationship is intended as a way to build and strengthen the support system for the resident. In additional to the friendships that typically form, mentors also serve as sounding boards for decision-making and problem solving. Another critical goal is to help residents accept responsibility for their actions and to break the patterns that led them into the circumstances of their crime. A mentor meets weekly with the resident for a minimum of one hour and then continues for a minimum of two hours per month for six months post release. Mentors help residents navigate the often confusing and unfamiliar world of job applications, social services appointments, motor vehicle business, housing and food resources.
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