Federal offenders successfully graduate from reentry program

Medford, Ore. — 3 men are now graduates of a re-entry program for federal offenders. The one-year voluntary program gives the individuals tools and resources, and serves as a transition back to civilian life.

“All the things that people coming out of prison need to succeed come here,” Judge Michal McShane says.

“Invest in that process,” Jackson County Community Justice director, Eric Guyer adds, “so that people aren’t just arriving on a bus back to the community expected to be fully re-integrated.”

Graduates say they’re thankful for the opportunity and hopeful for the future.

“Hopefully after today,” graduate James Conn says, “hopefully I’m done with federal probation and I can move on with my life.”

Graduate Ricky Shamblin adds, “this is just a starting point and I’m going to just be able to go forward, only good things from here because of this program.”

Judge Ann Aiken says, “I think today was one of those days where we feel pretty darn good about this cooperation and the progress we’re making in people’s lives.”

All of the graduates have jobs. Once they successfully complete the program which includes being clean and sober they get a year off their probation.