The GEO Group was honored to take part in a group session with the Criminal Justice Summer Camp at Florida Atlantic University’s College of Social Work and Criminal Justice. The event created an opportunity for students to learn more about The GEO Group’s correctional and reentry services while hearing directly from six returning citizens about their personal journeys, the challenges of reentering society, and their firsthand perspectives of incarceration, reentry, and transformation through the help of The GEO Group. Each speaker reflected on the obstacles they faced and expressed appreciation for the support, resources, guidance, and opportunities that helped them move forward after incarceration.
The students were fully engaged throughout the discussion, asking thoughtful questions and showing genuine curiosity about the corrections industry, reentry, and the role that organizations like GEO play in helping individuals succeed. Dr. Ryan Meldrum, Director and Professor of the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice shared, “it was obvious the campers really took an interest in understanding the way the corrections industry works and GEO’s approach to working to ensure formerly incarcerated individuals have the resources available to avoid recidivating.”
The returning citizens were equally proud to take part in the conversation, knowing their stories could help educate and inspire future professionals in the field. They were joined in the group sessions by David Burch, Divisional Vice President, Continuum of Care, and Craig Spatara, Director, Post-Release Services.
Mr. Burch moderated one session that featured male returning citizens, including Rashod Wiggins, Post-Release Case Manager, Darrell Guilford, a former Post-Release Case Manager and Blackwater River Correctional & Rehabilitation Facility alumnus, and Aaron Wilkenson, Graceville Correctional & Rehabilitation Facility alumnus.
Mr. Spatara moderated another session featuring all female panelists, including LeAnn Parker, an alumna of GEO’s In-Prison Treatment Program at Homestead CI, Victoria Amorosa, a formerly incarcerated individual and Post-Release support services partner, and Dr. Elisa Lastra, a Lead Counselor Supervisor at Homestead CI and Everglades CI.
We are proud to have the opportunity to share GEO’s worldclass programs and approach to rehabilitation through the GEO Continuum of Care while impacting the lives of young people who will go on to become the future of corrections and reentry.
