This week our reentry partner, LeJhoyn Holland, celebrates the first year anniversary of his release from prison.  Nor is that the only event he will be celebrating.  On Saturday he and his fiancée, Tina Fantich, will be married at the Unitarian Church in Hillsborough.  This wedding is a highly anticipated occasion for the members of his team and the many friends he and Tina have made over the past year.  LeJhoyn has created a very special place for himself in his community.  He has a full time job plus several odd jobs, transportation, a well furnished apartment, is active with the youth in his neighborhood, and frequently speaks eloquently to groups about his transition experience and the value of support teams in successful reentry.

The anniversary of LeJhoyn’s release also marks the completion of our year of formal covenant with him.  Though the team will continue to be available as needed, he is clearly an independently functioning, highly productive member of society.  Consequently the team has voted to adopt a second reentry partner.  Richard Hoey-Bey, whom many of you may have seen at church from time to time with team member Gabe DesHarnais, will be our new partner.  He is scheduled for release in November, 2011, which gives us ample time to assist him with this transition needs prior to release.

The documentary Against the Tide is nearing completion.  We continue to promote the film through presentations at local congregations including an upcoming event sponsored by the 3 Episcopal churches in Chapel Hill to be held at the Church of the Holy Family on September 10 at 7:30 PM.  Recently the documentary has been the recipient of two grants, one a parish grant through the diocese for $2500.00 and another for $10,000 through the Sunshine Lady Foundation, a charitable organization committed to, among other things, the reduction of recidivism.  The documentary was recently featured on WUNC-FM’s State of  Things with host Frank Stasio and members of our reentry team. It is our hope and expectation that this film will continue to serve as a tool to educate public officials, the legislature, and the general public about the need for faith/support teams in assisting inmates toward successful transition into society. It is also hoped that the film will inspire the development of additional support teams, and result in a significant reduction in recidivism rates.

Ongoing needs at Orange Correctional Center include men’s clothing in large and extra large sizes, and storage space for furniture and other necessary items for inmates pending release.