Another good program gone?
Almost Home
, a model program, funded through the much maligned "earmark" tactic had won the support of some hard headed local pragmatic politicians, according to the Worcester Telegram
This money would have been an investment, not an expenditure,” said Sheriff Glodis, noting it cost between $30,000 and $40,000 annually to house a prisoner. “Once again, the government is being penny smart and pound foolish. Money would have been saved e pity.“xponentially, had funding for the program been approved.”
Another example of a good program that could be revived if we only had the political will to support an adequate balanced revenue package.
Almost Home
In a public-private collaboration with the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office and the Massachusetts Parole Board, Dismas House opened, The Almost Home Program, in the traditional Worcester Sheriff’s residence. This 24-hour staffed facility provides a four month structured treatment programs to Worcester County inmates eligible for parole or post-incarceration placement. Each resident of The Almost Home Program participates in daily vocational training on the premises, substance abuse treatment groups, individual therapy, and educational, job-readiness and placement and life skills training. The Almost Home Program acts as a needed first-step and a “feeder” program to other transitional programs. Graduates of The Almost Home Program are better prepared for the challenges of successful reintegration. By providing cost-effective, bundled services to those inmates most likely to re-offend, The Almost Home Program alleviates institutional roadblocks to reentry, reduces recidivism, and ultimately, will help stem jail overcrowding in Worcester County.