June 12, 2005 Marshall News Messenger "Local man trying to get program to aid probationers..."

When Roderick Keith Johnson returned to Marshall after a 10-year absence, he brought with him an idea he hopes will reshape his home town.

Johnson admits he is "the first person in my family to get a taste of prison" and he believes this gives him special insight into the needs of probationers and parolees as they re-enter society.

Johnson has worked diligently to sell to all who will listen his proposal for the Marshall/Harrison County Re-entry Roundtable Project.

The result is an organizational meeting set for 3 p.m. Tuesday at Greater Marshall Chamber of Commerce offices, 213 W. Austin St.

Among matters to be addressed are the appointment of a board of directors, discussion of new committees, and "review of risk assessment.

"We will establish where our office will be and will also discuss funding options," Johnson said of the session. He has scheduled several speakers, including Joel Heflin, creator of a community center aimed at assisting children; a board member from the 12 Way Foundation and Pam Miner, who will explain job benefits offered to companies that employ former inmates.

Sheryl Newton, regional coordinator for the 17-county Project Rio, and Jay Patze, district director for Texas Board of Pardons and Parole have also pledged to attend.

Johnson has spent a considerable amount of time discussing his project with community leaders. The response has been positive and overwhelming, he said.

"People are catching on to this like wildfire," Johnson said. "I do a lot of public speaking all over the United States. I've even testified before Congress, but I've never seen people so motivated as they are here."

Johnson believes this is because many are already aware of the need. "Did you know we have 1,500 probationers in Harrison County? We also have 600 parolees, 368 juveniles and 45 people who are under no supervision.

"After they do time in state jail," Johnson said, "they're just released," he said of the last category. "We hope to set up some sort of tracking system and a form of supervision."

Johnson intends to push for the involvement of East Texas Baptist University and Wiley College in counselling programs for former inmates and their families.

He refers to data released by the U. S. Department of Justice regarding the Serious and Violent Offenders Re-entry Initiative.

"Released prisoners face enormous challenges, from finding jobs and housing to staying sober, while avoiding high-risk persons and places," SVORI says.

"Finding employment is one of the most pressing needs," the report notes, adding "many have substance abuse problems" for which they require treatment.

"Former prisoners lack the financial resources or personal references necessary to compete for and secure housing in the private housing market," SVORI adds.

"I'm working by myself but I hope to bring the whole community on board," he said. "I'm going to approach all businesses and encourage them to give offenders a second chance and jobs. I'm working with Marshall Housing Authority" to set aside units for ex-offenders.

And having made it through a maximum security prison, Johnson is undaunted by the task that lies ahead. "God has opened so many doors for me," he said.

"I'd like to help these people get back on their feet and I'm willing to do whatever it takes to get the message out. I'd like to make a showcase program here in Marshall.

"I'm dedicated to seeing my home town come back up to a place where people will sit with their doors open and neighbors will get together."

A successful re-entry program will help do just that, he believes. "Whatever treatment they need, we're going to provide. This will reduce recidivism and contribute to employment rates."

The "main focus" of Johnson's program is the offender between the ages of 17 and 24 years. "These are high risk people in our community," he added.

And while Johnson hopes to help ex-offenders, he has not forgotten that victims have rights too. "We plan to have victim advocates as a part of our group," he said.

The public is invited to attend Tuesday's session and anyone interested in becoming involved in the project may contact Johnson by telephone at 903-407-2636 or 903-935-9616.