By Dan Spalding
News Now Warsaw
WARSAW — The Kosciusko Community Recovery Program that was established earlier this year in the county jail will be the subject of a public meeting Monday at the Zimmer Biomet Center Lake Pavilion in Warsaw.
Sheriff Jim Smith said the meeting will be a chance to learn more about the program — and specifically — how the community can get involved.
The meeting will be from 6-8 p.m. at the pavilion.
A lot of people still might not be aware of the program and how they can help. As Smith points out, people don’t know what they don’t know.
“This is an opportunity for us to enlighten the public as to what this program is, what our vision is inside the program and lastly, how the public can get involved,” Smith said.
The program is geared toward assisting inmates who are close to finishing their sentences in preparing how to re-enter society and stay out of trouble
Resource Navigator Shanna Wallen has been overseeing the program for three months and said she’s been working, on average, with about 45 active cases.
Much of the work involves how to approach drug and alcohol problems, but also issues like getting a driver’s license or requiring a Social Security card — basic things many need when seeking a job.
One of the main goals is for inmates to avoid any recidivism.
“I’ve had 39 inmates released. We have not had anybody return yet,” Twombly said. “I do know people who have relapsed. They have not yet reached out, but I know they have the resources should they choose a different path.”
In some instances, some of those, she said, have been released and gone on to other jurisdictional locations where they face other criminal issues or have entered work release.
The meeting will include a question-and-answer panel with Smith, Judge Karin McGrath, Judge-elect Matt Buelher and Tammy Johnston from the county Probation department.
Smith said in a recent interview that two of the greatest needs for inmates upon release are housing and employment.
Officials are hoping the community can step forward with support in various ways.
