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Imagine
that today you are being released from a Virginia prison. All you've
got is $25 in your pocket, a one-way bus ticket home,
and an intense desire to put the past behind as you reach for a better
future. But when you get off the bus, reality hits. You've got nowhere
to live, no family, no job, nothing to eat, and only the clothes
you're wearing. Dreams can fade quickly, and soon be replaced by
bitterness and desperation.
Since 1977, Virginia
CARES has helped 50,000 ex-prisoners face the future. We intervene
during the critical first year after release, providing housing, food,
clothing, transportation, jobs, counseling, medical care, and legal
help. We operate in 44 Virginia cities and counties with post-release
and re-entry services, and assist the Virginia Department of
Corrections with a pre-release program in 30 institutions.
Thankfully, Virginia
CARES has seen much success. The cycle of crime and punishment can be
broken. Our efforts have decreased crime, slowed the rate of
recidivism, and saved taxpayers millions of dollars. We are humbled
and grateful as we realize that the help Virginia CARES provides often
makes the crucial difference between success and failure for
ex-inmates.
Having
sat on the Virginia CARES Board and served as its president, I so much
appreciate the concern and dedication of our staff members and
volunteers. I admire the desire and drive among ex-offenders to
overcome obstacles and successfully lead a productive life, reunite
with their families, and avoid returning to a life of crime. I am
thankful for the many legislators and government officials throughout
the Commonwealth who have stood by Virginia CARES in times of great
financial difficulties.
More
than 10,000 men and women are released from Virginia prisons every
year. Our work is not done. Please join with us today as a partner in carrying on this
noble and necessary work.
Sincerely,
Nelson
Smith,
former President,
Virginia
CARES
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