Reentry Program Awards Celebration

The Georgetown County Sheriff’s Reentry Program held a banquet for participants and their families on Sunday to celebrate a host of educational accomplishments the thriving program has made possible. Sheriff Carter Weaver and Reentry Program Director Jonathan Branch congratulated participants who hit educational milestones and earned certifications in high-demand trades. Over 40 certificates were presented during the event.

Two reentry participants are in the middle of taking their final exams to receive their GEDs and they were recognized for their work. They will have a mini-graduation, complete with cap and gown, in the future. Sociology college credits from Coastal Carolina University were presented to several successful participants by Dr. Matthew Wilkinson. The course – the Incarcerated VOICE Initiative – has led to the publication of a book, which was shared at the celebration.

Welding certifications were given to course graduates by Clarence Commander of the Carolina Welding Training Institute, and graduates of the personal growth programs at A Father’s Place were honored. In addition, several reentry participants earned certifications in specialized areas of animal husbandry and OSHA/MSHA job safety requirements.

Branch thanked all the organizations that make training in well-paying trades, completion of educational goals, and self-improvement possible, including Club 142 and the Reentry Program’s fundraising nonprofit, Amazing Journey. He also thanked all the Sheriff’s Office and Detention Center employees who attended and assisted at the event, and Sheriff Carter Weaver for his unwavering support of the program.