Editorial

Important recognition for offenders

Friday, October 10, 2003

At the Work Ethic Camp in McCook, the most special event of the month is the Offender Recognition Ceremony.

In ways, it is even more meaningful than high school or college graduation because the offenders have traveled a rough road. They've been in trouble with the law, and -- unless they change their ways -- could be headed to prison.

Therefore, the stakes are high at the Work Ethic Camp, a 120-day program aimed at helping offenders get off drugs, learn life skills and -- in some cases -- get a General Education Diploma.

At October's ceremony -- which took place Thursday -- 14 offenders in Phase Four, the fourth and final month of the Work Ethic Camp program, were recognized. "It was special, just as all the other recognition ceremonies have been," said Raleigh Haas, the superintendent of the Work Ethic Camp. Among the most special moments is the awarding of the GEDs, the short name for the General Education Diplomas. Four offenders received their GEDs Thursday, and more are expected to complete the requirements before the end of their stays at the Work Ethic Camp.

Following distribution of diplomas, each of the Phase Four offenders is called on individually. That's when it can get emotional. In their talks, the offenders thank the staff members who have helped them and they talk about what they have learned. The offenders also talk about the scary part -- leaving the supervised environment for life on their own.

For many, the Work Ethic Camp has made a dramatic difference. In the 30 months since the camp opened, 351 offenders have successfully completed the 120-day camp program. That total will reach 365 when the current Phase Four group complete their stays.

Having fought off a legislative attempt to close the camp, the Work Ethic supporters major concern at this time is lack of numbers. As of today, the camp has a population of 66 offenders, which is 34 short of capacity. In the opinion of Haas, the superintendent, and Jon Bruning, the Nebraska attorney general, the camp should be at or near capacity at all times. The camp is doing its job; it's making a difference in the lives of young, non-violent offenders.

To spread awareness of the camp's value, the attorney general is planning a trip to the camp later this month, at which time he will sit down with past and present offenders to talk about the program. Superintendent Haas will also be advocating for the camp, traveling to Lincoln Oct. 24 to speak to the Nebraska County Attorneys Association and to attend legislative committee meetings.

Let's hope they succeed in increasing awareness and getting more judges to use the Work Ethic Camp as a sentencing alternative. Prison can be a one-way street to a life of crime. But, as the monthly Offender Recognition Ceremony shows, the Work Ethic Camp offers needed hope for changing troubled lives.

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