Former Offender Returns To Rockville Correctional Facility To Inspire “PLUS” Graduates

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ROCKVILLE, Ind – Eighteen months of classes, self-examination and hard work along with hundreds of completed community service hours brought 61 women to their PLUS graduation on March 13, this year at the Rockville Correctional Facility (RCF).

The graduation ceremony featured guest speaker, Amy Brinkley, a former RCF offender.

Brinkley was released in 2013 after being convicted of multiple felony offenses in 2009.  Since that time, Brinkley has put into use the skills she learned in PLUS and other IDOC therapeutic programs and has gone on to realize many successes, both personal and professional. She is currently the Bureau Chief for the Office of Family and Consumer Affairs at the Indiana Division of Mental Health and Addictions.

In 2014 Brinkley’s personal dream came true when she published her memoir, “A Glimpse of Blind Faith”. As part of the graduation celebration, each of the graduates received a signed copy of her book.

Another highlight of the day was the PLUS graduate message presented by graduate Krista Richardson, who was bestowed that honor by her peers. In her speech Richardson stated that “PLUS gave me the keys I needed to unlock my true potential.” She emphasized the need to be open and willing to learn and then to apply that new knowledge in order to see an improvement in the quality of life.

The special afternoon concluded with the graduates spending time with the guest speaker, visitors and staff and enjoying refreshments prepared by the Aramark IN2Work/DOL culinary program.

The Purposeful Living Units Serve (PLUS) Program is a faith- and character-based community that encourages offenders to choose alternatives to criminal thinking and behavior by providing a focus on spiritual and character development, cognitive self-change, social skills, community service and intentional preparation for a successful and enduring release into society.

 

PLUS Graduates
PLUS Graduation Guest Speaker, Amy Brinkley