Inmates Wait for Re-Entry Program

Memphis, Tn - A program created three years ago to help Shelby County inmates transition into productive civilians is bursting at the seams.

The "3R Project" currently serves more than 200 inmates. Former Shelby County Mayor AC Wharton started this program in 2007 as part of "Operation Safe Community." Today, it's a popular program for Shelby County inmates. And more and more want in on the grant-funded program that promises to put prisoners on the right path, if they're willing.

For inmates, a "second chance" isn't a given. They pay for it with their time served at the Shelby County Penal Farm. And, Instructors like Debbie Barrett teach them how to ask for it. After that, they're on the hook to prove that they're worth another chance.

"Persistence is number one. They're going to have a lot of doors slammed in their faces," Barrett said.

Barrett is among a handful of instructors for the "3R Project." It stands for rehabilitate, renew, and reconnect. It's a prisoner re-entry program put in place three years. Already, it has hundreds of inmates on a waiting list.

"Everyone deserves a second chance... They really want this," Stephanie Short said.

Short helps soon-to-be ex-offenders find jobs, even in this economy.

"There are less out there. Not all quote are 'ex-offender friendly.' You have to go out and turn rocks over," Short said.

Resumes and interviews are key. But so is explaining their crime.

"In addition to the honesty, simply state the charge. Simply state what you've been doing since you were incarcerated to become improved and a better person," Short said.

Shelby County Commissioner Steve Mulroy would like to see programs like this expanded. As well as the minds of potential employers, who can keep ex-offenders from going back to old habits.

"The vicious cycle not only hurts them. But it ends up hurting us. Because what we do is create a higher recidivism rate and a lower rehabilitation rate," Mulroy said.

The goal for the men who are willing to work for it, is to leave this classroom and their life of crime.