Manchester Facility Offering Former Inmates '2nd Look At The Basket'

MANCHESTER, CT — A transitional residential program designed to give men returning from prison a second chance with "comprehensive health, vocational and transitional supports" has officially opened in a Manchester neighborhood.

Second Chance Re-Entry Initiative Program, Inc., or SCRIP, a nonprofit organization that works with men returning from periods of incarceration, opened its first residential adult re-entry facility in Manchester Thursday. The program occupies a residential parcel at 89 Ridge St.

"I believe SCRIP is a program that uniquely identifies and treats the various forms of trauma, specifically Urban Trauma," organization executive director Edward Andrews said. "What makes SCRIP unique is the fact that its Innovative approach helps individuals learn to cope with their trauma as well as to build themselves up as upstanding, accomplished individuals who will succeed in this ever-changing, fast-paced society. SCRIP is relatable, empowering, therapeutic and educational."

Trauma was also a word used by program graduate Benito Lugo, who was released from prison eight months ago after a 27-year sentence.

"it boils down to the trauma," Lugo said. "I was pointed toward SCRIP and SCRIP is helping me deal with situations ... and my desires of what I want to be. When you're real about your recovery, you seek programs like this. This is not medication This is dealing with the trauma."

Social Worker Marcus Stallworth used a basketball analogy and called the program, "A Second look at the basket."

Lugo said he was happy to get that second shot.

SCRIP partners with local and national social service agencies, employment agencies, and community development programs to provide comprehensive services for program participants. Its mission is to raise awareness of the often-overlooked traumatic experiences in urban communities. and help individuals overcome the oppressive realities of incarceration, homelessness, unemployment, and racial injustices. Based on extensive academic research, SCRIP’s programs help individuals reach their full potential, transition into the workforce, support their families, and bring healing to the community.

"Ed has developed a revolutionary approach to helping others deal with their past trauma in a meaningful and effective way," SCRIP Board President Tom Veilleux said. "His years of personal experience and training have molded him into an active credible messenger who works tirelessly toward the service of others. We thank all of SCRIP’s supporters who have assisted in bringing our programs to fruition, and we look forward to the future of SCRIP's programs and subsequent positive client outcomes."

Having a safe, affordable place to live is one of the greatest challenges many people face when returning to the community after incarceration, program officials said. Working in collaboration with Tom Cats Place, the C.A.R.E. Center will be able to provide four beds for clients who have no other housing options.

Among the programming being offered at the Center is:

• ASCEND: SCRIP's Academic, Social, Counseling, Expert-Mentoring & Networking Development) Program is a cognitive behavioral change program that helps formerly incarcerated individuals develop life and professional skills for career advancement. ASCEND helps participants shift their life paths toward personal responsibility and fulfillment.
• Clothing Drive: SCRIP will provide men participating in the program with donated clothing for job interviews.
• Reprise: SCRIP offers support for victims of traumatic experiences by providing financial assistance victims of crime and violence. The agency works with state agencies to support families needing assistance. As a way to make amends for past actions and acknowledging and supporting victims of crimes, all men participating in SCRIP programming who successful obtain employment will be asked to donate $5 to $10 each time they get paid to support the Connecticut Victims Compensation Fund.
• COPE: SCRIP’s Career Opportunities and Pathways to Employment (COPE) Program is a transitional employment program that helps individual build sustainable careers. The organization provides job referrals, assists with job placement, connects participants to internships, and offers lifelong career support.
• CARE (Comprehensive Adult Reentry): The component will house up to three to five men for nine to twelve in the first year. The number of participants will increase to six to ten men in year two.

CARE is specifically designed for men who have no other place to reside when they discharge from a halfway house or men who are homeless.

Most of the men who are accepted into CARE will complete the ASCEND program and all wraparound services would be provided, officials said. SCRIP will pay three months' rent for each participant and provide food vouchers. After the third or fourth month, SCRIP will work with participants to obtain employment to allow them to pay for their own rent and food, officials said.

Participants will also be asked to save a portion of their earnings to be deposited into a savings account which they can access upon completion of the program. Once successfully discharged from the CARE program, participants would receive support to obtain a room or apartment rental.

In addition to these services, C.A.R.E. Center clients will receive one-on-one trauma therapy with a therapist, access to a nutritionist, a physical trainer, addiction services, and financial literacy.