Molinaro to Receive 2016 Meritorious Award from Project MORE, Inc.

Molinaro to Receive 2016 Meritorious Award
from Project MORE, Inc.

Poughkeepsie…Dutchess County Executive Marcus J. Molinaro has been selected as the recipient of Project MORE, Inc.’s Meritorious Award. The award is presented to an individual who has, over the span of their career, demonstrated tremendous leadership, dedication and commitment that has led to remarkable contributions towards the underserved populations, their community and statewide. County Executive Molinaro is being recognized for his public service in creating a better law and justice system in Dutchess County.

“I am honored to be selected as this year’s recipient of the Meritorious Award. Dutchess County has worked steadfastly over the last several years to enhance our criminal justice system, continuing with our collaborative approach with agencies like Project MORE, Inc. to expand services to justice involved individuals,” said Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro “The creation of our Women’s Reporting Center, the opening of our Stabilization Center later this year, the implementation of Crisis Intervention Team training countywide, and the inclusion of RESTART programming in-jail and post-release, further demonstrate our willingness and commitment to offer alternatives to incarceration services and address the specific needs of individuals dealing with substance abuse and mental health issues.”

County Executive Molinaro will be presented the award this Friday, April 29th at Project MORE, Inc.’s 3rd Annual Awards Banquet in Celebration of Law Day in East Haven, CT. Project MORE or Project Model Offender Reintegration Experience’s mission is to provide a structured and systematic process to reintegrate ex-offenders into the community and to provide services to their families. Project MORE, Inc. works with individuals on parole, probation, bail and those released from correctional facilities.

Dutchess County’s Women’s Reporting Center, operated by Project MORE, Inc. provides evidence-based case management, cognitive behavioral intervention and employment development programming for justice-involved women. Transportation and childcare services are also provided through the center. Case managers assist women with locating housing and connecting to community resources. The center graduated 80 women in 2015 and a total of 135 since its opening in March 2014. In addition to the services provided at the Women’s Reporting Center, Dutchess County’s state-of-the-art and successful community corrections services include a Transitional Housing Program, Community Transition Center, and an in-jail and post-release program, RESTART or Re-Entry Stabilization Transition And Reintegration Track. Currently, a total of 50 men and 20 women at the Dutchess County Jail are receiving evidence-based behavioral change and case management services through RESTART. Transitional services are provided to inmates post-release through community-based providers and the Office of Probation and Community Corrections.

Martin Lynch, Director of Programs, Planning & Development at Project MORE, Inc. in Poughkeepsie said, “Since 2007, Project MORE, Inc. has been working closely with Dutchess County to expand services to individuals in the criminal justice system so as to provide a pathway to reintegration into the community while working to reduce the rate of recidivism. County Executive Marc Molinaro has endorsed and strengthened the public-private partnership with Project, MORE, Inc. and other service agencies to promote positive change in Dutchess County. County Executive Molinaro is well-deserving of the Meritorious Award because of his leadership and vision, making Dutchess County a model for the nation in criminal justice reform and alternatives to incarceration programming.”

County Executive Molinaro was selected as one of this year’s Meritorious Award honorees along with Connecticut Lt. Governor, Nancy Wyman, representing the CT/NY region.

To learn more about Project MORE, Inc., go to: http://www.projectmore.org/