17 offenders complete fatherhood program at PCF

Sunday, November 23, 2014

PUTNAMVILLE -- It was congratulations from family members and pats on the back all around for 17 fathers who recently participated and graduated from the "Inside Out Dad's Program" at Putnamville Correctional Facility (PCF).

The offenders' parents, spouses, siblings and even children were allowed to come and watch their fathers walk down and shake the hands of program instructor James Bennett and unit team manager John Brush at PCF. The visitors also enjoyed a few hours of getting to know how the program has affected their family currently incarcerated.

The "Inside Out Dad's Program" is a 12-week course that centers on making these men become better fathers both from inside the fence of an institution and outside in the general public.

Classes are focused on growing from the inside, learning effective discipline, and communication with various age groups.

Such topics as mixed families with stepchildren, respecting the mothers of their children, and enforcing stability are all important lessons learned in the program.

"Teaching these offenders how to be a better parent for their children will hopefully help in the recidivism rate and build a successful family dynamic," PCF Superintendent Stanley Knight said.

Offenders completing the program were Landin Anderson, William Anderson, Steven Young, Frank Wilson, Charles Holmes, Gregory Smith, Joshua Doyle, Larry Price, Seth Mullendore, Dennis Pea, Donald Hytrek, Ricky Adams, Raymond Byrd, Mark White, Tremaine Wesley, Rodney Smitson and Brandan Bellamy.

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