News
Program helps families cope with loved ones in prison
|
The Westside Health Authority hosts a monthly meeting to provide resources and counseling to relatives.
News
Austin program for ex-offenders nearly overwhelmed by demand for services
|
By Wendy Wohlfeill
Officials at a far West Side organization fear if client demand continues to rise, more and more recently released prisoners will be left fending for themselves. Roger Ehmen, director of Westside Health Authority’s Prisoner Re-Entry Center, said a recent jump in numbers shows the dire need for the program in Austin. Ehmen said the center saw an increase of 104 percent more clients over the last two years. In 2008, the office helped just over 5,000 clients, while last year the program assisted close to 11,000. The biggest concern now is that the numbers will continue to rise, and many more ex-offenders in need will be left without services.
News
West Side program helps ex-offenders get a second chance
|
By Wendy Wohlfeill
Charles Ezzard speaks with ease and confidence, pausing from time-to-time as if visually sifting through the past chapters of his life. He recounts times of hardship, yet immediately changes pace when speaking about his future. His face lights up as he states his goals, such as finishing school and giving back to the community. Ezzard sits in a bustling office in Austin, while snow falls outside on a brisk winter afternoon. Inside this well-kept space, half of a dozen men sit at computers placed against one wall searching on-line job postings, while others work on resumes and speak to caseworkers.