Crossroads program offers inmates opportunities to change their lives | News

They wanted a program with various courses that would make it easier for prisoners to return to society and pave a successful path for them after their release from prison.

This is how the Crossroads program was born.

“The program started in 2017,” Shelton said. “Ms. Lange came to me with the idea and we implemented it.”

Since the course began, an average of 14 inmates have completed the program each year, according to Shelton, a lieutenant at the Bell County Jail. The program offers courses in anger management, cognitive thinking, sex education, parenting, writing, domestic violence, individual development, goal setting, effective writing and an introduction to obtaining a commercial driver's license (CDL).

He described how one inmate's success inspired organizers to continue the program.

“One inmate came back and told her story,” Shelton said. “We'd like to see that more often.”

Lange, the wife of Bell County Sheriff Eddy Lange, is a former juvenile and adult corrections educator.

She believed that Bell County needed a program to help people change their life path.

“I realized we didn't have any other programs here other than prison ministry. I went to Byron with that idea, and now it's where we want it,” Lange said. “These inmates will return to our community with opportunities and skills that will secure them jobs. The main reason they don't come back is because they don't have a job.”

The Crossroads program is a nine-week course with classes five days a week for four hours each day. The classes are designed to give inmates insight into themselves and their situation.

The program's supporters believe that counseling and training will help reduce recidivism in Bell County.

“It covers everything from relationships to career paths,” said Prison Warden Stacey McClinton. “It also teaches you how to be involved in your child's life and how to care for them while in prison. Many graduates have been able to build better relationships with their children after taking this course.”

McClinton also said that many of the graduates wish they had had it sooner because then they wouldn't be in prison now.

“They take that information and apply it,” she said. “Not every correctional agency has a program like this. They are very dedicated. In addition to classes, there are a lot of tests and homework.”

According to course director Justin Harper, there is a waiting list of 130 inmates. Class sizes average 15-20 inmates, but spots open up regularly.

“A large portion of our inmates are coming into prison or leaving the area,” Harper said. “These courses give them an extra step after they get out. The CDL introduction will give them a head start. It gives them the right mindset.”

Lange said over the years, things have been added to the program that people in this region “need to be successful.” She also hopes to expand CDL classes and add welding classes, as well as OSHA and food processing certifications, to the program.

“They all receive a certificate of completion when they graduate,” Lange said. “We want to offer two courses at the same time. These courses are often part of their parole. That's a big commitment. Our inmates who are (transferred) to the Texas Department of Corrections want to continue these courses so they can have a career when they're released.”

Lange said she could see changes in the inmates participating in the program.

“Some of our inmates have taught another inmate to read,” she said. “We see a lot of change and progress in inmates through this program. This is an opportunity for them to achieve educational goals. It gives them the confidence to know that there is more to them than someone sitting in prison.”

McClinton agreed with Lange's views.

“It's great to have the sheriff's blessing,” she said. “Without his support, this program would not have gotten off the ground.”

The courses are taught by volunteer instructors. Lange teaches cognitive intervention and sexual awareness courses; the nonprofit advocacy group Aware of Central Texas teaches the domestic violence course; Jeanette Weatherall teaches a course on the novel The Four Promises; The JAIL Ministry teaches the anger management course; MCH Family Outreach teaches the care and parenting course; Marsha Martin teaches a perspectives and attitudes course called I Am a Game Changer; and Re-Entry Ready teaches the writing and introduction to CDL courses.

“We have more organizations involved now,” Harper said. “These volunteers come and teach to help the community.”