Commissioner : Homer Bryson

Director of Public Affairs : Joan Heath

15 Incarcerated Veterans Graduate at Johnson State Prison

FORSYTH, Ga. – On February 4, 2016, the Georgia Department of Corrections held its first Veterans Reentry Dorm Program graduation at Johnson State Prison. Fifteen male incarcerated veterans were the first offenders in GDC history to graduate from this 12-month program.

“Another significant step in our efforts to help rehabilitate our offender population and prepare them for their successful reentry,” said Commissioner Homer Bryson. “This effort could not be realized without our partnership with the Federal Department of Veterans Affairs, Georgia Department of Veterans’ Services, and the Georgia Board of Pardons and Paroles.”

The Veterans Reentry Dorm program was implemented in June 2014 at Johnson State Prison, Rutledge State Prison and Emanuel Women’s Facility. The 12-month program was implemented to better serve the state’s incarcerated veteran population, a total of 3,000 offenders. The purpose of this program is to provide an opportunity for incarcerated veterans to live in a supportive environment where they will receive veteran specific reentry services and programming to assist in making a successful and seamless transition upon reentry into their communities. Programming provided includes: post traumatic stress disorder, cognitive behavior groups, rehabilitation, character building, training for employment, obtaining military medical records and birth certificates, family reunification, self-care, giving back to communities, substance abuse treatment, stress management, reentry vocational programs, career center, support groups, identifying benefits and support, and wellness.

For more information on the GDC call 478-992-5247 or visit https://gdc.georgia.gov.