Program Helps Prisoners Re-Enter Communities

The Beaver County Times

By Marsha Keefer

James Hammerly, 36, called himself a “frequent flyer,” cycling in and out of jail most of his adult life for various crimes: assault, burglary, theft — “everything. I was out of my mind. I didn’t know who I was,” he said. Last Monday, he was released from the Beaver County Jail after a six-month incarceration for violating parole. Hammerly fully expected to end up back behind bars having no place to call home and nothing but the clothes on his back. “I thought if I commit another crime I’d have someplace to go,” he said. Once in the system, it’s hard to get out, said Hammerly. While in jail, he heard of a new program just launched June 17 to support formerly incarcerated residents as they re-enter their communities.

Continue reading.