Commissioner: Timothy C. Ward

Director of Public Affairs: Joan Heath

Returning Citizens Receive Diplomas and Certificates

FORSYTH, Ga. – On March 9, 22 returning citizens were recognized at a ceremony for successfully completing the requirements to earn their High School Equivalency Diploma, while 60 worked for one year to complete 57 core curriculum credits and 30 elective credits to graduate with a Reentry Program Completion Certificate at Metro Reentry Facility (RF).  Executive Director for the Federal Interagency Council on Crime Prevention and Improving Reentry, Tony Lowden, was on hand for the momentous occasion, and encouraged the graduates to navigate their way through any circumstances that come their way while transforming their heart and mind.

“We appreciate the Metro RF staff, volunteers, community partners, and returning citizens who are working together to change lives each and every day,” said Commissioner Timothy C. Ward. “With so many people coming together to support returning citizens we are confident that it will make a positive change in their reentry into society.”

Metro RF utilizes evidence-based practices and community collaboration to address all barriers for participants’ successful reentry back into society.  The facility targets returning citizens who will be released into the Metro Atlanta counties of Clayton, Cobb, Dekalb, Fulton, and Gwinnett.  It provides opportunities for simultaneous participation in academic and vocational education programs, personal development, extracurricular activities, and community service along with counseling, cognitive, and substance abuse programming.

About the Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC)

The Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC) has one of the largest prison systems in the U.S. and is responsible for supervising nearly 54,000 state prisoners. It is the largest law enforcement agency in the state with approximately 10,500 employees. For more information on the GDC, call 478-992-5247 or visit https://gdc.georgia.gov.

Contact

Manager of Communications Lori Benoit

[email protected]