For this month’s We are the World Blogfest, I found a circle of good news – not only in a branch of Goodwill Industries, but also in a retired State employee who helps former inmates successfully transition into the community.
From our local Fox station:
Former Probation Officer Volunteering in Same Circles
“They’ve done their sentence and they’re coming back to the community,” says Miller. “They’re needing to re-establish relationships with family, employment, residence, and I think the community volunteers in this group serve as role models.”
In his career with the Wisconsin Dept. of Corrections, Jim Miller was a Probation and Parole Agent, but also served in supervisory and management positions. When Jim was my boss, he was the Regional Chief of eight counties and a strong proponent of evidence-based practices in Corrections (ahead of his time). It was an honor to work for this dedicated man, who continues to show his compassion and commitment in working with former inmates within Circles of Support.
Circles of Support will…
- Foster an environment of acceptance for the individual’s return to the community
- Promote positive social interaction and responsibility
- Focus on the future rather than the past
- Focus on the individual’s strengths and struggles
- Plan for success
- Support and recognize individual accomplishments
- Mobilize community resources
The “We are the World” Blogfest is in its twelfth month of a heartfelt journey. This blogfest’s goal is to spread the message of light, hope and love in today’s world. We are challenging all participants to share the positive side of humanity. This month’s co-hosts, Shilpa Garg, Peter Nena, Eric Lahti, Roshan Radhakrishnan and Inderpreet Kaur Uppal, welcome participants and encourage all to join in during future months. #WATWB is a blog hop on the last Friday of every month. Click HERE to check out the intention and rules of the blogfest and feel free to sign up at any time. You are always welcome!
Please SIGN UP for WE ARE THE WORLD BLOGFEST in the linky list that opens up in a new window:
Click HERE to be part of the Light.
Mary J Melange 
So good to read this, Mary. Once they get out, these guys need all the help we can give them. This is a heart warmer, for sure.
Right Lois. This is about loving and supporting others when they need it most.
What a great program! The support will be invaluable to them at this stage. Thanks so much for sharing this and for being part of #WATWB
I’m very glad to share this, Belinda. I know a few others who are involved in Circles and I give them big props for helping inmates acclimate back into the community so they can have a story of success.
I think it’s so wonderful that this man is willing to give some of his well-deserved free time to help the same people he had sent his career working with. In addition to the time he gives, I’m sure his understanding of the challenges the men face is a huge benefit. Thanks for bringing this story to #WATW
Jim has volunteered for many years with Circles, which allows him to carry on a mission from his years with Corrections. Always the social worker with a purpose.
That’s a selfless profession. Given the cutbacks in official programs, volunteers are so important.
Jim Miller is a blessed man and blessing to the world. Thank you for sharing his story.
You’re welcome, Peter. Jim deserves much recognition for the positive work he does.
This sounds like a wonderful program. I especially like the “plan for success” point. Too often it’s the most obvious, yet overlooked, idea that makes any project a reality. As they say, from little acorns great oaks grow.
This is definitely a “great oak” program, Ally. I hope it keeps going for years to come.
It’s a great initiative!
Former inmates need all the support they can get to help them readjust to the reality of that big, wide world beyond those prison walls.
Writer In Transit
Jim Miller is a man with a huge heart Mary – thank you for sharing this post about him who clearly knows the difficulties of getting back into the wider world – great post – 🙂
Thanks Susan. Jim really does have a great heart for people and for helping a population that might otherwise flounder in the community.
Jim sounds like a great guy who truly understands that we can’t just release people and expect them to figure things out on their own. And not only does he understand, he’s willing to take the time to help.
That is so true about Jim. He’s one of a kind.
What a wonderful, restorative way to work with people rebuilding their lives, Mary. In an industry that could be very tough, taxing and hardening, Miller seems to have really seen another way. Let’s hope we see more people like Miller, and more initiatives like his program. Thanks for sharing.
You’re welcome, Simon. I can tell you from being part of this field, it does take a toll on those who try to effect change and help with transition. It’s not always easy, but having someone like Jim and many others who strive to be a positive force makes the road for this group of people much easier.
Re-entering back in the society is not easy. Thanks to such programs, the inmates can re-build their lives outside the prison and live again. Thanks for sharing this wonderful story, Mary!
There has to be some fear or anxiety in getting back to society, finding housing, getting a job, and staying out of legal trouble. In has to be a difficult road.