Nearly 50 people on probation who have completed an intensive program at the Luzerne County Reentry Service Center were recognized during a graduation ceremony at the rotunda of the Luzerne County Courthouse on Tuesday afternoon.
The 48 graduates were recognized during speeches by Luzerne County criminal justice personnel, including keynote speaker Judge Joseph F. Sklarosky Jr.
The judge noted that the graduates took advantage of an opportunity to turn their lives around and put in the work to make it happen.
“Your focus and your determination: You should be proud of yourselves,” Sklarosky said. “Each of you took advantage of the opportunity that the (Day Reporting Center) provides.”
The county’s reentry program — which was established in 2010 and is celebrating its 15th anniversary this year — allows qualified Luzerne County Correctional Facility inmates to apply for release after serving half of their minimum sentences. Those who are
accepted are granted parole and are required to attend programming and treatment at the center, located at 125 N. Wilkes-Barre Blvd.
The program, operated in conjunction with GEO Reentry Services, offers offenders a variety of technology-based options, in-person intensive treatment and training and ongoing drug and alcohol testing to prepare offenders for reentry into the community in an effort to reduce recidivism.
Princess Morgan, a treatment coordinator at the county jail, told the crowd on Tuesday that she is hopeful for the graduates’ futures.
“Standing here today, I am filled with joy and hope,” Morgan said. “You remind us all of the true meaning of what it means to have strength and determination.”
Kevin Perluke, director of probation services, likewise commended the graduates on their achievement.
“You now have the tools to become productive members of society,” Perluke said. “Adversity is helpful to growth, and helped to make you stronger.”
