The U.S. Attorney in Harrisburg, Pa., is starting what it calls a unique partnership of local, regional and national private business entities to aid moderate to high-risk federal offenders who have been recently released into the community, says the Justice Department. The U.S. District Court in Harrisburg operates the Court Assisted Re-Entry (CARE) Program. In addition to the court, it includes the U.S Attorney's office, U.S. Probation, federal public defenders and county volunteers.
The new partnership between ESSA Bank & Trust, Northampton Community College, Pyramid Healthcare Inc. and CARE helps offenders get back on their feet. ESSA Bank & Trust will run a financial literacy program where CARE participants will be instructed by bank officials on money management issues. A CARE Loan Program will provide loans up to $15,000 to qualifying CARE participants for housing, education/training, or transportation. Northampton Community College will provide educational opportunities including a G.E.D. program and adult basic education courses. Pyramid Healthcare will administer a drug and alcohol treatment and counseling program for CARe participants. The program is part of the Smart on Crime initiative announced by Attorney General Eric Holder in August 2013.