Press Release  Plymouth Probation Program Hosts Thanksgiving Meal For Clients

Massachusetts — The Plymouth County Community Corrections Center, a Massachusetts Probation Service (MPS) program, hosted a Thanksgiving dinner for probationers and court-involved clients at 385 Court Street in Plymouth on Thursday, November 17th, at 5 p.m.

The Plymouth facility is one of 18 community corrections centers across the state. The centers are an alternative to incarceration and were recently recognized by MassINC for reducing recidivism among its clients-- many of whom suffer with opioid addiction.

The traditional Thanksgiving meal-- including turkey and side dishes such as dressing, mashed potatoes, and cranberry sauce-- was donated by Eastern Bank. The meal was prepared by Bongi’s Turkey Roost in Duxbury and served by center staff and Eastern Bank Assistant Vice President Donna Bocash-Smith. The dinner was offered in a supportive environment.

“The staff at the Plymouth Community Corrections Center is very much aware that the holidays can be a difficult time for our participants. Many of them are working on mending the relationships and earning back the trust of their loved ones,” said Program Manager Christine Costa. “The holidays can be a lonely time for them. Thanks to Donna and Eastern Bank, we know that all participants at the Plymouth Community Corrections Center will have the opportunity to sit with other supportive individuals and have a delicious Thanksgiving dinner.”

Eastern Bank also offers informative sessions for center clients throughout the year on topics such as establishing a checking and savings account, tax preparation, understanding individual credit reports, consolidating debt and the application process for small business loans, according to Costa.

The centers are part of the Office of Community Corrections, a division of the Massachusetts Probation Service (MPS), and managed by a vendor. The Plymouth center’s vendor is Bay State Community Services of Plymouth. A client is sentenced to attend the center by a judge. The Senior Community Corrections Probation Officer (SCCPO), a Probation employee, supervises the offender in the community, ensures that the client is following the terms of their probation, administers drug tests, and matches them with the community resources they need to stay on the right track to recovery.

Probationers and court involved individuals attend the centers each week and receive substance abuse and mental health counseling as well as educational and job training, Hi-SET (formerly GED) preparation is also offered.

The Massachusetts Probation Service’s mission is to increase community safety, reduce recidivism, contribute to the fair and equitable administration of justice, support victims and survivors, and assist individuals and families in achieving long term positive change.

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