NON-PROFIT ASKS FOR HELP TO SUPPORT EX-OFFENDERS

(link to the original wane.com video)

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE)  A non-profit that helps ex-offenders become productive members of society is asking the public for financial help.

Blue Jacket , a Fort Wayne based non-profit, provides ex-offenders with a four-week Career Academy training, job placement, and supportive services.

The non-profit has previously relied on a federal grant from the Department of Labor to pay for the $400+ per person expense. The organization has decided that, due to the restrictions placed on them by the grant, this federal funding is no longer a good fit for them.

“When the awarded federal grant mandated restrictions on whom Blue Jacket could serve, we felt it was a disservice to the Fort Wayne community,” explains Tony Hudson, Executive Director of Blue Jacket. “Blue Jacket serves people with minor infractions to people with lengthy and severe criminal histories, as well as people without a blemish on their record. With Fort Wayne’s growing number of homicides in 2013, Blue Jacket remains committed to serving violent and drug offenders to take them off the streets and become productive again. This is a real tool to combat crime.”

After they stopped receiving federal grants, the Criminal Justice division in town also had to cut down on the money they were giving Blue Jacket. With that budget cut, the courts were referring fewer people to Blue Jacket which caused their enrollment to drop as well as the money that came with it. Because of the decrease in funds, the organization has had to cut support groups, counseling programs, and chaplaincy and partner with other agencies.

"We felt that if we had to turn people away that was just another person who was out there helpless and struggling," Hudson said.

Blue Jacket does not have any fundraising operation in place and, unless donations can bridge the budget gap, staff fear the the community might be at risk for higher crime rates. They said when ex-offenders don't have anyone or any place to turn to once they are released from prison, they will continue to make the same mistakes. 

"When you're released into society, and you don't have a support team, then 9 times out of 10 you're going to go back," said Erick Woodson, a 2011 Blue Jacket graduate.

However, the organization is currently applying for grants and is holding a golf outing fundraiser and auction in the fall to help increase finances. The Blue Jacket clothing store is also a way the organization brings in funds.

Anyone interested in donating can do so online or at the offices at 2826 South Calhoun Street in Fort Wayne.