ANTLERS, Oklahoma (KXII) – Seven books, a program and a second chance. That’s how some Pushmataha County inmates are preparing for life after prison.
Summer Williams, an inmate at the Pushmataha County Jail who has struggled with substance abuse, says this Second Chance program provides tireless support.
“The Second Chance program has helped me,” Williams said. “Taylor is really good and helpful. The girls I’m in class with are really helpful. It’s good to have that support from other sources instead of having to struggle with all of these things on my own.”
The Tri-County Second Chance Re-entry Program is funded by a grant from the Bureau of Justice Assistance.
Taylor Dunn teaches “A New Direction,” a program taught through seven books.
“Introduction to treatment, criminal and addictive thinking, alcohol and other drug education, socialization, relapse prevention, comorbid disorders and preparation for discharge,” Dunn said.
Inmates receive a certificate upon completion of each book. Bobby Merritt, an inmate who also struggled with substance abuse, never thought he would receive one.
“I was out there, I was on drugs and I didn’t care and I didn’t want to stop,” Merritt said. “Then I came here and got the chance to take a class with Taylor. That made a huge difference.”
This is the third year that the Second Chance program has changed the lives of Pushmataha County inmates for the better. Williams says she started the program immediately after being admitted to prepare for reunification with her children.
“We took pictures, she put them online and a lot of my friends and relatives back home have visited her and said, ‘Keep it up, Summer!’ And it’s a good feeling for them to see that I’m trying and doing better,” she says with a heavy heart.
Both Merritt and Williams say the program is changing their mindset. Classes are held three times a week at the Pushmataha County Sheriff’s Office. Dunn says she has seen a lot of pride in the inmates who have completed the program and served their sentences.
“Many of them tell me they haven’t accomplished much in their lives,” Dunn said. “They now have this certificate and say it feels really good.”
All rights reserved.
