News  Brockton Community Justice Support Center Recognition Ceremony kicks off series of events celebrating clients’ successes

Pictured above: Randel Lindsey, Brockton Drug Court Client, Completed MRT, Angela Orlandi, Brockton CJSC Program Manager, First Assistant Chief Probation Officer Michelle Rawdon, Brockton District Court

The Brockton Community Justice Support Center hosted a Client Recognition Ceremony where clients were acknowledged for reaching life-changing milestones. It is the first of four events taking place at Support Centers in Boston, Lowell, Northampton, and Quincy this fall.

During the Wednesday ceremony, select clients shared their stories, challenges, and triumphs. There are five categories under which clients were recognized at the Brockton ceremony,  including Client of the Month 2023, Client Employment 2023, Specialty Court completion, Notable Achievements, and Successful Transitions. In addition to the clients, Brockton District Court First Assistant Chief Probation Officer Michelle Rawdon and educator Debbie Nordin were honored for their work on behalf of clients and contributions to the Support Center.

“These events celebrate clients who can now return to their family and friends with a new sense of purpose in their life, their communities are safer and stronger.  Nothing makes that impact clearer than seeing the tears of joy that are shed at these celebrations,” said Vincent Lorenti, Director of the Office of Community Corrections Center which oversees the Support Center.

In addition to the ceremonies, there will be an October 23rd kickoff of the $900,000 Second Chance Act grant from the Bureau of Justice Assistance which will fund the Ralph Gants project. The grant will provide clients leaving prison with Support Center services while they earn an Oracle Coding Certificate from the Franklin Cummings Technical Institute.

The Support Centers, overseen by the Office of Community Corrections, are a program of the Massachusetts Probation Service. A University of Pennsylvania study credited the centers for helping to reduce recidivism by up to 36 percent among clients who attended center programming.

One of 18 statewide, the Support Centers provide treatment for substance use disorder, education and job training, and clinical case management to more than 500 people in the criminal legal system every week. Clients, who lack insurance, may also be enrolled in MassHealth at the centers.

The upcoming ceremonies are as follows:

Northampton Community Justice Support Center
Recognition Ceremony
October 12, 12:30 p.m.

Boston Community Justice Support Center
Kickoff of Second Chance Grant
October 23, 11 a.m.

Quincy Community Justice Support Center Grand Opening
November 1, 11 a.m.

Lowell Community Justice Support Center
November 11, 11 a.m.