“This partnership of the justice system and the recovery community together offers a unique opportunity for persons looking for a new beginning. If the applicant meets the requirement of the job, the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office has agreed to allow participants to do virtual job interviews via Zoom within thirty days prior to the individual’s scheduled release date, drastically reducing the waiting period to start employment. Starting in the next few weeks interested participants will be able to fill out a job application through their defense counsel for consideration at Waddington North America or Restaurant Depot who have both agreed to participate in the pilot. While the program is still in the beginning stages, the District Attorney’s Office and The Bridge Club of Greater Lowell have already started educating stakeholders, including prosecutors and the defense bar on the availability of the program. Initiatives like the Bridge Back program will not only benefit those in our care, but the families and communities those individuals are returning to, as well.”
They also work to implement release plans that take into account the specific needs of each individual. “Each day our incredible staff works to ensure those in our custody receive treatment and programming to address the issues that contributed to their incarceration. “Employment, housing and behavioral health treatment are critical components to successful re-entry and recidivism reduction efforts,” said Sheriff Koutoujian. It is our hope that The Bridge Back program will offer supportive services that will allow participants to achieve lasting and reformative success.” We cannot expect someone to achieve success if we do not give them the tools to navigate things like applying for jobs or applying for housing assistance. “In Middlesex County we have been reflecting on our work and focusing on programs that address the underlying causes of criminal behavior. “In order to reduce recidivism and improve outcomes for incarcerated individuals we have to look at the criminal system as a rehabilitative tool,” said District Attorney Ryan. The Bridge Back Initiative is a collaborative program where individuals are screened to identify those who would benefit from employment opportunities, addiction and recovery related support and other community based services as part of the disposition of their underlying criminal case.
Koutoujian and Bob Cox, Executive Director of the Bridge Club in Lowell have announced a new program that will assist court-involved individuals by connecting them with employment and other supportive services. LOWELL – Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan, Middlesex Sheriff Peter J.