Sarasota County Sheriff’s Tackles Recidivism with a grant from the Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation
“The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office received a grant this week to support efforts to reduce recidivism and alleviate barriers to reentry.
By way of background, the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office’s Courts & Corrections Division has taken a progressive approach over the last several years to assist inmates who are preparing to re-enter their communities. Often recognized for the creation of one of the first Addiction Recovery Pods in the state of Florida, the sheriff’s office has worked hard to reduce recidivism. Today, there are more than 50 programs offered to incarcerated men and women in addition to specialized housing options for inmates in need of recovery and mental health services, veteran support, and more. In 2020, the sheriff’s office created two reentry navigator positions that are specifically tasked with linking individuals to employment, transportation, clothing, and medical needs post-release.
As the sheriff’s office continues to address reintegration, the agency is looking to the future with plans to create a specific reentry program that incorporates cognitive-behavioral programming, technical training to improve employability, and transitional housing that will aid in reintegration and provide overall wellbeing for the community. Future technical training will be offered in areas of horticulture and trade skills, a barista program, forklift operation, and more.
This week, the sheriff’s office was granted $225,000 by the Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation to support future initiatives.
“This is an exciting time to be in the law enforcement profession,” commented Sheriff Kurt A. Hoffman. “Not only are we protecting our community, but we are also changing lives by creating successful outcomes for men and women who otherwise, have no access to resources or support of any kind. This is a community effort and reducing recidivism is not something we can tackle on our own. That is why we are incredibly grateful to the Barancik Foundation for their support and ongoing commitment to making this community thrive.”
“Incarceration weakens the social fabric of entire families,” says Teri A Hansen, President | CEO of Barancik Foundation. “Our community will not only benefit from reduced recidivism, but families tied to the justice system will be given better chances to rebuild their lives.”
The Charles and Margery Barancik family has long believed in the power of philanthropy to shape our world and enrich the lives of all people. It was the expression of this belief that led them in 2014 to establish Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation—a private, family foundation located in Sarasota, Florida. Barancik Foundation creates initiatives and awards grants in Sarasota and beyond in the areas of education, humanitarian causes, arts and culture, the environment, and medical research. For more information, visit www.barancikfoundation.org. “
Content: SCSO
Content: SCSO
