Sheriff's Office honors Salem County Correctional Facility volunteers

Salem County Sheriff Charles Miller recently held a recognition dinner to honor all the dedicated volunteers that contribute their time and talent to assist with the Salem County Correctional Facility's social rehabilitation programs for inmates.

The event was held in the Office of Emergency Management building in Mannington Township.

Salem County Freeholder Director Robert Vanderslice greeted the volunteers with a special thank you as he recalled the rewarding experience he had working with the volunteers in the past.

The correctional facility volunteers provide varied services ranging from faith-based Bible studies, religious services, addiction counseling, serve- safe training for food service employment, and soon to be forklift operation training for warehouse employment.

"There are presently eighty-two volunteers that we are indebted to that help restore hope to our inmate population," Sheriff Miller said. He added, "You are all the reasons why we are a correctional facility and not just a jail. You prepare our inmates to have a chance out in the society and help us reduce recidivism."

The guest speaker for the event was former Salem County resident Juan Mendez. Mendez, now a volunteer at the jail himself, spoke about how he turned his life around, and now wanted to help inmates get back on their feet.

"Mr. Mendez is a shining example of how hope can be restored once you find your faith. We are grateful that he is now a member of our volunteer team," said Correctional Facility Warden John Cuzzupe.

Also in attendance at the event was Mid-Atlantic Career and Education Center President Glen Donelson, along with members of his staff.

Donelson was thanked by Cuzzupe for the 10-year partnership that Mid-Atlantic has had with the Salem County Correctional Facility. The mission of the partnership it to prepare inmates for jobs upon their release.

Mid-Atlantic and the Salem County Correctional facility recently implemented a new 16-week program called the Academic Career Re-Entry Opportunity (ACRO) that will better enable inmates to obtain jobs upon their release.

The camaraderie felt amongst all the volunteer guests made for a very enjoyable evening.

Information provided by the Salem County Sheriff's Office.

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