May 13, 2016
DCS recognizes Goodwill Industries of Macon and Augusta as ‘Stations of Hope’
The Department of Community Supervision (DCS) in partnership with Goodwill Industries of Macon and Augusta and the Central Savannah River Area (CSRA) are holding ribbon cutting ceremonies in celebration of these locations becoming Healing Communities ‘Stations of Hope.’
‘Healing Communities’ is a ministerial and outreach framework that focuses on men and women who are returning from or who may be at risk of entering jail or the prison system. The program challenges congregations and civic organizations to become ‘Stations of Hope’ for those individuals impacted by the criminal justice system. The model teaches faith and community leaders how to embrace returning citizens, how to help them connect with their own personal faith and it also underscores the importance of collaborating with friends and family members in efforts to restore damaged and broken relationships.
DCS Director of Faith and Justice Initiative Tony Lowden says these collaborations are essential to the success of returning citizens.
“We are honored to welcome Goodwill Industries of Macon and Augusta as Stations of Hope. Goodwill has a rich history of not only mending and repairing goods and clothing but also mending and repairing souls and aspirations. Together, the Department of Community Supervision and Goodwill Industries will expand and fortify a collaborative network that will continue to provide restoration to returning citizens, their families and the communities in which they live,” said Lowden. “This partnership will allow us to better provide education, skills training and workforce development,” added Lowden.
DCS has adopted the ‘Healing Communities’ reentry model and plans to introduce it to faith and community leaders throughout the State and provide them with the information and tools necessary to implement the model within their own congregations and communities.
The Goodwill Industries of Augusta ceremony will take place on Monday, May 16, 2016 from 3:00 pm until 5:00 pm at the Goodwill Job Connection located at 3120 Peach Orchard Road in Augusta, Georgia. The Goodwill Industries of Macon ceremony will take place on Thursday, May 19, 2016 from 3:00 pm until 5:00 pm at the Helms Career Center located at 240 Broadway in Macon, Georgia.