Dismas Charities Atlanta staff hosted a roundtable in partnership with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Urban League to discuss a New Beginnings program aimed at preventing recidivism for violent offenders. The concept, paid for by a grant to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, focuses on cognitive behavioral treatment and employment readiness. The Dismas facility was chosen as the pilot site for the program in the Atlanta area. It consists of two weeks of classes at the facility with 20 participants per class. Counselors choose residents from their caseload to participate. The event included a facility tour for visitors. A presentation was made by Assistant Director Ronisha Pratt on the history of Dismas Charities. Counselor Garvi McGee spoke on counseling and programming for the residents, Employment Specialist Robert Thomas covered employment assistance program, and Counselor Ashley Thompson addressed community involvement. Lunch was served to all who attended.
