GEO Reentry Services and the Lycoming County Probation Department in Williamsport, Penn., hosted a transition celebration for more than 100 individuals on probation who this month graduated from the Lycoming Reentry Service Center, an innovative non-residential day reporting program. Many graduates had work commitments, but 30 attended the event to receive certificates of completion and mark this next step in their reentry journey. The event was held at Lycoming College to accommodate the audience of 100, including judges, commissioners, the Lycoming College Criminal Justice chairperson, probation officials, program staff, family and friends who turned out to mark this milestone with graduates.
Lycoming County Commissioner Rick Mirabito and Deputy Chief Probation Officer John Stahl delivered keynote remarks to the graduates. Program alumni and four graduates also addressed the audience to share their powerful takeaways from participating in the reentry program. Program Manager Nicole English served as the event emcee. “The GEO Reentry team, under Nicole’s leadership, organized a great event,” said John Hogan, GEO Reentry Area Manager.
The Lycoming County RSC was opened in 2014 by county officials to help alleviate jail overcrowding and tackle chronic recidivism. The center, operated by GEO Reentry, provides a structured combination of cognitive behavioral treatment, training and case management designed to change criminal thinking and reduce recidivism. Participants are required to take part in a multi-phase program that includes classes designed to improve communication skills, teach problem solving and conflict resolution, and develop parenting and employment skills. GEO Reentry operates several reentry programs in Pennsylvania.
A 2021 outcomes report released in 2022 highlighted that the county’s reentry program, through assessing participant risks and needs and matching treatment and training to the person’s situation, was able to reduce the risk of recidivism significantly.
