Putnamville offenders donate $2,500 to local organizations

Thursday, October 27, 2011

PUTNAMVILLE -- The Family Youth and Community Development Program and the Putnam County Family Support Services program in Greencastle were the recipients of a donation from Purposeful Living Unit Serve (PLUS) offenders group on Wednesday, Oct. 19 at the Putnamville Correctional Facility.

Family Youth and Community Development Program representative Charles Miles and Putnam County Family Support Services representative Carrie Cox were each presented a check for $1,250 during a ceremony at the prison.

Offender Jarius Beck of Anderson served as keynote speaker and presenter during the event.

"Beck had a terrible attitude when he first started PLUS," PLUS coordinator Karumathil Kumaran commented, "but I saw an honest and progressive change in his attitude and interactions with staff and other inmates during the course of the program. He's one of the most positive offenders in the program now."

As he stood before 311 offenders and executive and line staff, Beck addressed the community representatives, "I've learned a lot of positive things in this program and it has shown me how to value the time that I spend with my kids. I'm glad that I was able to be part of something that will help other kids too."

Beck is currently serving a 10-year sentence for dealing cocaine.

"It's important that we allow offenders to be active participants with members of the community," Putnamville Correctional Facility (PCF) Supt. Stanley Knight said. "It instills a sense of pride in their accomplishments and a sense of responsibility for others."

Cox joined Miles, who also serves as a member on the PCF Community Advisory Board, in thanking the offenders and staff for their generosity and explained how the money would be used by their organizations to help youth in the community.

The Family Youth and Community Development Program, with facilities on Crown Street in Greencastle, provides leisure activities and learning resources for low-income children.

Putnam County Family Support Services is a non-residential support center for children and victims of domestic violence.

PLUS is a character and spiritual-based facility program that focuses on community service and personal growth.

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