STONE COUNTY — A re-entry program at the Stone County Correctional Facility has developed a waitlist as officials prepare to select participants for its next cohort.  Twenty-two participants graduated from the Pathway Home 5 Re-entry Program last month. Warden John Moran said interest has gro wn as inmates have seen others complete the program and prepare for employment and life after incarceration. “What I do see now is that we have a larger waiting list,” Moran said. “It’s obvious that the program’s working or that they’re getting something out of it because guys are wanting to sign up for it.”  The program, administered by the South Mississippi Planning and Development District and funded through a U.S. Department of Labor grant, provides employment and re-entry training before participants leave incarceration and support for up to a year later.  Participants learn resume writing, digital and financial literacy, employment readiness, personal development and interviewing. The program also helps address barriers after release, including transportation, work clothing, child care and finding employers willing to hire people with criminal records. In the classroom, program participants learn resume writing, digital and financial literacy, employment readiness, personal development and interviewing. Warden John Moran says the facility eventually wants to expand to multiple cohorts. Credit: Bibhas Pantha/RHCJC For graduate Zachary Brady, the program became more valuable than he initially expected.  “It started out more or less like I might need to get this under my belt to go home,” Brady said. “I really didn’t know what the class had to offer, but once I got into it, I was very glad that I took it.”  Brady said mock interviews helped him build confidence for finding work after his release.  “We did mock interviews, so now whenever I get home, I won’t be nervous or not know how to speak to the people that I’m getting interviewed by,” Brady said.  Chris Nixon, Pathway Home 5 program administrator, said the program’s work continues once participants leave the facility.  Chris Nixon, administrator of Pathway Home 5, said the program’s goal is to continue helping formerly incarcerated people after their release. He said finding employers willing to hire people with criminal records can be difficult. Credit: JC Roberts/RHCJC “Once they get out is where we’ll pick up again and help them with their incentives and supportive service and employment and resources that we can provide for them,” Nixon said.  Finding employment can be one of the biggest obstacles, Nixon said, particularly because participants need employers willing to hire people with criminal records.  “There’s employers really needing people and they are willing to give them a second chance, and that’s really helpful,” Nixon said. “I’ve seen some really good careers come out of this for them, some high-paying jobs.”  The program, which can work with participants for up to a year after graduation, is part of a broader effort at the correctional facility to prepare inmates for life after incarceration. Moran said more than 153 community volunteers also support inmates through programs and activities. Brady said that community involvement has been meaningful as he prepares for release.  “I’m grateful … to have people like that in our community that’s willing to step forward, to spend time with us and to help us rehabilitate ourselves for going home,” Brady said.  According to Warden John Moran, the Stone County Correctional Facility currently holds 280 inmates, with a growing list of participants for the Pathway Home 5 program. Credit: Bibhas Pantha/RHCJC As the facility prepares to select its next Pathway Home 5 cohort, Moran said growing interest means some inmates will have to wait for a spot. The facility has previously tried running two cohorts simultaneously, he said, but maintaining multiple groups can be difficult.  Brady said inmates who get the opportunity should take advantage of it.  “If they want to take the program, take it, but take it and be serious when you take it,” Brady said. “You have to want it. You have to dedicate yourself and stay consistent and push through.”  ...read more read less