Life after prison: Re-entry of ex-offenders into society
PHILADELPHIA (WTXF) - There are 70 million people in the United States with a criminal record. 700 thousand people are released from prison each year and nearly 70% of those released will return to prison within 3 years. So regardless of how you feel about why they went to prison in the first place, this is clearly an issue that needs to be addressed.
The re-entry think tank partners ex-offenders with artists, lawyers and activists to teach them about art, learn their legal options and how to use their voice through art to help to help others who still may not get it.
Courtney and Mark are among a group of people who are trying to serve the community by providing options and assistance to ex-offenders who sincerely want to get their lives on track.
They meet regularly, support each other and go out in the community and use their talent for art to open people's minds to the struggles they've faced
The re-entry think tank will continue their work and hope that others will join them not because they ignore the choices some members have made but because they're moved by their message and their desire to make amends for past mistakes and live their lives.