The United Way of St. Charles recently approved funding for two additional classes as part of Project Transition at the Coleman Correctional Facility.

Project Transition has a goal of preparing inmates for release and lowering their chances of returning to prison. Anger management classes and job skills training will be added to the current Project Transition program.

The program consists of an eight-week lineup of life skills courses and substance abuse education classes.

Participation in the program is open to high risk inmates who are within six months of their release. The program participants must adhere to strict guidelines and mandatory attendance is required.

Reverend Gary Bolden, employee of the Coleman Correctional Facility and program facilitator, believes that Project Transition is an excellent example of a community effort.

“Project Transition is the only program of its kind in south Louisiana. The continued financial support from the United Way of St. Charles provides the opportunity for inmates to receive intervention before they are released which means they are less likely to return,” said Bolden.

Project Transition began in 2005 as a collaborative effort between the United Way of St. Charles, the 29th Judicial District, and the St. Charles Mental Health Task Force.

According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, the national recidivism rate among all inmates is 67.5 percent. The recidivism rate among inmates who graduate from Project Transition is 3 percent.