Operation Fresh Start™ is an innovative program that helps former nonviolent offenders reintegrate successfully through education and employment.
–––
Philadelphia – or “Philly” as it is affectionately referred to – is a great city. Nestled between New York and Washington, D.C., “Philly” is home to some of the world’s most brilliant Thought Leaders and great creative talents. Its rich history; world class academic institutions (Temple, Drexel, and Penn), art museums; historical landmarks and institutions; and its unique cuisine – Philly cheese steaks and soft pretzels — attracts millions of visitors from Europe, Asia, Africa, South America, Canada and citizens from other states in America. And no one throws a New Year’s Party like “Philly”. Time stands still when the Mummers strut down Broad Street in brightly colored costumes that are immersed in plumes.
Operation Fresh Start ™ creates the ultimate win-win situation. It reduces recidivism, expands the city’s and the state’s tax base, and eradicates public safety issues which in turn makes the city and state a magnet for businesses and jobs.
|
Yet, “Philly” is a great city that has not yet reached its full potential. It can do better. What is preventing “Philly” from reaching its full potential? Recidivism. The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania spends approximately US$34,000 on each individual housed in one of its 26 state prisons. Who is paying the tab? Taxpayers! It is a shared economic burden that impacts the citizens of this great city. Precious financial resources which could be allotted to improve the city’s and the state’s crumbling infrastructure, improve its public education system, and transform neighborhood business corridors into a vibrant economic oasis are being pumped into an ever-expanding prison budget. Recidivism is driving away jobs. Corporations – particularly multi-national corporations who want to establish an office in an American city – are not attracted to cities that have high recidivism rates, public safety issues, and dwindling resources.
The solution for eradicating recidivism resides within this great city. Operation Fresh Start ™ is a results-oriented, groundbreaking two-tiered initiative created by veteran jurist, The Honorable James M. DeLeon. The Initiative removes barriers for successful integration that confront formerly incarcerated individuals who are nonviolent offenders by creating pathways to education and employment. Operation Fresh Start ™ creates the ultimate win-win situation. It reduces recidivism, expands the city’s and the state’s tax base, and eradicates public safety issues which in turn makes the city and state a magnet for businesses and jobs.
——
Photo: Dantetg/Pixabay
It was recdivism that drove the jobs away, it was wealthy people and corporations sending the jobs away. In addition, due to politicians, business people and wealthy people not investing in education, you will have a hard time trying to find an educated workforce even if you plan to move into area. The problem with a well-educated workforce, is that your workers will want a better economic life since they butted their butts to improve themselves only to be told that they are only worth slave wages.