According to ECSM Director, Jean Cushman,
"We were honored by the visit and even
happier that the occasion spot-lights the
plight of ex-offenders reentering their
communities. Baltimore has more than its
share of such people - 9,000 per year - who
face significant barriers to finding and
keeping a job, getting housing, and reuniting
with their families. The Department of Labor
Prisoner Reentry Initiative grant has made it
possible for Jericho to help men make a
smooth transition from prison to work."
After the President and Secretary Chao
arrived, The President spent an hour speaking
with Jericho's participants, Program Director
Bonnie Ariano and Training and Mentoring
Coordinator, Gregory Carpenter. He was
particularly candid about his alcoholism and
this struck a cord with program participants
who were surprised that The President would
talk to them openly about his problems with
addictions.
He then spoke to the media, expanding on this
aspect of his legacy by stressing the
importance of the role of faith-based
organizations in meeting the needs of former
offenders and other needs of society.
Preceded by a week of intensive preparation
for the visit, the excitement came to an
abrupt end when the President and Secretary
Chao roared off in a motorcade.
Thank you to all of our friends and
supporters in helping us achieve this
recognition. We are especially grateful to
the Mayor's Office of Employment Development,
the Maryland Department of Corrections,
parishes, individuals, volunteers and
foundations that make it possible for us to
do this work! For the over 67 corporations
who hire men from Jericho, thank you for
giving these men a second chance. But the
real honor goes to our program participants,
the men of Jericho, who courageously strive
to put their lives back on track and who
succeed in becoming productive members of
Baltimore's communities.
Below are a selection of newspaper articles
currently online discussing the visit.
Baltimore
Sun news report
New
York Times
Wall
Street Journal
Gregory
Kane article in the Baltimore Sun
