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The Link
An Electronic Newsletter for Participants in the
Capital Region Ex-Offender Support Coalition
Improving Communications and Cooperation to Benefit
Ex-Offenders and Our Community
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Issue Number 21
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In this issue:
- FUGITIVE SAFE SURRENDER IN PLANNING STAGES
- RMO BROCHURE AVAILABLE
- CITIZEN CIRCLES BEING DEVELOPED LOCALLY
- UPCOMING COALITION MEETINGS
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- FUGITIVE SAFE SURRENDER IN PLANNING STAGES
Fugitive Safe Surrender (FSS) is a unique, creative, and highly successful, initiative that encourages persons wantedfor non-violent felony or misdemeanor crimes tovoluntarily surrender to the law in a faith-based or otherneutral setting. Managed by the United States Marshals Service as a community re-entry program for wanted non-violent offenders, Fugitive Safe Surrender offers individuals with felony and misdemeanor warrants the ability to turn themselves in to law enforcement and have their cases adjudicated in a safe and non-violent environment. Up to this time, coalitions of faith-based, non-profit, law enforcement and judicial authorities have performed FSS in seven cities previously. In Memphis, 1600 fugitives surrendered to a church; in Cleveland 800 people voluntarily surrendered to a church. The goal of Fugitive Safe Surrender is to reduce the risk to law enforcement officers who pursue fugitives, to the neighborhoods in which they hide, and to the fugitives themselves
Firm Foundation of Pa., Inc approached the U.S. Marshals Service regarding bringing Fugitive Safe Surrender to Dauphin County and we are currently being considered as a site. Over the course of 2-4 days persons who believe they are wanted for crimes will be able to voluntarily surrender to a pre-selected church (or neutral location if they prefer not to surrender to a church). There is usually federal funding available for planning, publicity, volunteer training and implementation. There is initial support from the District Attorney’s office and the President Judge. It is the hope of Firm Foundation that CRESC will consider actively supporting and participating in this reentry initiative. Firm Foundation will share additional information with CRESC as it becomes available.
The first planning meeting will be held March 27, 2008 beginning at 1:30 PM at the Federal Building in downtown Harrisburg. Please confirm your attendance by calling Ron Tilley at 717- 215-4816.
- For more information regarding the efforts to bring Fugitive Safe Surrender (FSS) to Dauphin County contact Ron Tilley of Firm Foundation of PA at or 717-233-6133 x204.
- For general information on FSS see the US Marshal Service’s Fugitive Safe Surrender webpage http://www.usmarshals.gov/safesurrender/index.html
- An excellent PBS broadcast news report (which includes an excellent video clip) on FSS can viewed by Clicking on the link below:
http://www.pbs.org/wnet/religionandethics/week1105/cover.html
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- RMO BROCHURE AVAILABLE
The Re-entry Management Organization has developed a new brochure to help promote its services and encourage referrals to the RMO’s exceptional services and support for ex-offenders. Copies of the brochure can be obtained by contacting Bob Stevens at 717-724-4834 or .
The RMO offers a wide array of services and support for ex-offenders. Services include counseling, daily living support, drug and alcohol support, education, employment and training assistance, life skills, medical services and transportation support. The RMO is conveniently located at 1301 Derry Street in Harrisburg, PA. For more information or to make a referral, contact Bob Stevens at 717-724-4834 extension 34 or .
The RMO continues to provide outstanding services to ex-offenders in our community. In just the month of January 2008, 46 ex-offenders were interviewed and connected with available community resources. To-date, more than 120 people have received assistance.
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- CITIZEN CIRCLES BEING DEVELOPED LOCALLY
Citizen Circles are groups of community members committed to helping participants make the change from “offender” to “citizen.” The Citizen Circles create partnerships that promote positive social interaction and accountability to help participants become productive citizens.
The Citizen Circles focus on eight “dynamic Domain Areas.” The areas are: employment, education, family/marital, social interactions, substance abuse, community functioning, personal/emotional orientation and attitude.
Citizen Circles meet once a month. Circle members receive comprehensive training and support.
Interested in learning more? Contact Bob Stevens at 717-724-4834 extension 6 or at
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- UPCOMING COALITION MEETINGS
The next meeting of the Coalition will be March 20, 2008 (Thursday) beginning at 3 PM. The location will be 1100 South Cameron Street, Harrisburg (at the corner of Cameron and Sycamore Streets). We encourage all interested parties to attend this upcoming Coalition Meeting and “get involved” in our collaboration efforts on behalf of assisting ex-offenders in our community. We need our membership to grow!
The Defendant/Offender/Workforce Development Committee will meet on March 18, 2008 beginning at 3 PM at the CareerLink offices at 349 Wiconisco Street in Harrisburg. Everyone is encouraged to attend.
Fugitive Safe Surrender Planning Group will meet March 27, 2008 beginning at 1:30 PM at the Federal Building in Harrisburg. Confirm your attendance by calling Ron Tilley at 717-215-4816.
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- SUBSCRIBE/UNSUBSCRIBE
If this electronic newsletter was forwarded to you and you are not already a subscriber, and you are interested in subscribing, please notify Tim Whelan at or by calling 717-732-0700 extension 4053. Please note Subscribe The Link in the subject section.
To unsubscribe, please notify Tim Whelan at or by calling 717-732-0700 extension 4053. Please note Unsubscribe The Link in the subject section.
Tim Whelan, Editor
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Tim Whelan, Vice President, Community Impact
United Way of the Capital Region
2235 Millennium Way
Enola, PA 17025
717-732-0700 extension 4053
Fax: 717-732-5200
E-Mail: