Family Resource Center Counselor Helps Inmates Prepare For Life Outside The Walls

TUPELO, MISS. (WCBI) – A non profit group that helps strengthen families in Mississippi is trying to help inmates lead productive lives once they get out of jail.

For four days a week, Tony Corrie is in a jail in Northeast Mississippi, teaching inmates various life skills.

“Have opportunity to teach addiction classes, parenting classes, conflict resolutions, healthy relationships,” Corrie said.

Corrie is a counselor who leads the “Re Entry Program” for the Family Resource Center.  The goal is simple, to prepare inmates for life and steady employment when they are released.  Corrie emphasizes the importance of parent-child relationships .   He read a well known Doctor Seuss book to a class of female inmates to show the importance of quality time.

Inmates volunteer for the program.  Kayla Martin started the course three months ago at the Lee County Jail.   She appreciates the real life lessons and believes it will make a difference once she is released.

“I’ve learned about different drugs, how to overcome them and how to get better.  Just showed me what to expect when I get home and how to be a better parent and how to overcome my struggles,” Martin said.

Corrie has been part of the “Re Entry” program for awhile and he has seen the results, first hand.

“Last year I was getting set to go on vacation and stopped at fast food restaurant, walked inside, standing in line, got a tap on my shoulder, turned around and the woman was standing there with her child and said, you probably don’t remember me but I took classes in the jail and I am back home, got a job and got my child,  if that doesn’t make it worth it, nothing will,” he said.

Corrie knows all of his students can have the same results, with the right skills,  lifestyle changes and a strong support system.

The Re Entry program continues for students after they are released.  The Family Resource Center hopes to expand the program to more counties in the future.