In late October, 12 Nashville Dismas residents attended a speech at U.S. Probation introducing a new Realizing Individual Success and Empowerment (RISE) program. The initiative, being undertaken by the U.S. Courts and Federal Probation, includes intensive programming, interaction with probation officers and judges on a bi-weekly basis, and access to legal and social services and other community resources. Those that successfully complete the 52-week program will be rewarded with a 12month reduction in their supervision after release. The speaker, Shon Hopwood, is a former federal prisoner who became an attorney and is presently a law professor at Georgetown University. Earlier in the month Nashville Director Clinton Bryant (left) met with a contingent who explained the program to his residents. They included (from left) Chief U.S. Court Judge Waverly Crenshaw, Magistrate Judge Alistar Newbern, Chief Probation Officer Vidette Putman, U.S. Probation Officer Kara Sanders, and Nashville Assistant Director Angela Tutt. RISE will officially begin in mid-January.
