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Back on June 5, Piedmont Regional Jail Authority recognized seven offenders who graduated from the Successful Living Program. This is a 12-week program to support offenders who have addiction issues. It allows offenders to meet like-minded individuals looking to turn their lives around and support one another. A major component of this program is teaching offenders how to support those around them by utilizing peer-to-peer support groups. 

This program helps offenders learn valuable life skills that will assist them in transitioning to life after they are released. Some of these skills include: how to manage money, fixing family relationships, managing stress, setting educational & vocational goals, and coping with addiction issues.

Peer-support specialist, Curtis Moore, spoke at the graduation, congratulating the offenders on this exciting accomplishment. He reminded the offenders that recovery is ongoing, and that “changing people, places, and things is a must.” 

Superintendent Jerry R. Townsend and Director Bridgett Tisdale continue to encourage the offender population to become successful citizens upon their release. Superintendent Townsend stated that “it is a priority to help people change to become productive citizens in the community.” Since 2022, Piedmont has had 41 offenders graduate from the program, working towards their mission of reducing the recidivism rate.