Staff and reentrants at GEO ADAPPT, a residential reentry center in Reading, did not hesitate to reach out during the month of March as a willing participant to recognize Victim Advocacy organizations. In their tradition of upholding outreach to the community through service, the facility partnered with Mindy McIntosh, Director of Development for Safe Berks, and sponsored a meal for those who are victims of domestic violence. The March 6 event at the facility was an act of service to both women and children who are receiving help through Safe Berks, a community organization that provides a safe haven and support system for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.
"We are extremely grateful to serve those being helped by this great organization Safe Berks, who is doing so much to help those who need it," said Michael Critchosin, director of ADAPPT. "It was our pleasure to provide a meal and a feeling of safe community here at ADAPPT."
When the visitors inquired why reentrants wanted to do community service, the reentrants gladly replied they "want to give back to the community." THE GEO reentry programming at ADAPPT stresses community service as a way of giving back to the community, to set right wrongs done and experience the benefits of positive behavior.
"We are honored to be a part of giving back to a place that is making such a big difference in the lives of others," said Dawn Martin, Assistant Facility Director of Programming. Regarding interactions between visitors and female reentrants, Martin said, "I really cannot find words to describe the feeling that came over me while watching these women connect and bond with each other, supporting each other for the equality to live a safe and violent free life."