“We must listen to survivors,” Mayor Shane Cornman stated to a gathering of Probation and Parole employees and representatives of Haven House on Monday.
To commemorate National Crime Victims Rights Week, Cornman presented a citation to District Administrator James Berry of Probation and Parole District 25 and Executive Director Amber Tinker of Haven House. He applauded efforts to raise awareness for crime survivors in the city.
According to Tinker, Haven House works with Probation and Parole on key crime preventative measures such as the 26-week Batterer’s Intervention Program for domestic violence offenders.
She affirmed, “National Crime Victim’s Rights Week is a time to recognize and honor the experiences of those who have been impacted by crime. It’s a moment to acknowledge the pain, trauma and challenges faced by victims, survivors and their families.”
Berry said the district has 53 staff and oversees 1,100 individuals across Butler and surrounding counties.
“We work hard for client success,” he remarked.
Berry elaborated the Community Supervision Center yields excellent results in preventing those it serves from returning to a life of crime. The center houses individuals coming out of prison who do not have a stable home plan. Their stay lasts 90-120 days, with extensive cognitive training on behavior and thought patterns. The program also teaches employment skills and assists with placement.
“I think that’s the best thing our program offers,” Berry commented.
Through preventative measures, he said the community will continue to work towards safety.
Tinker added, “We are so thankful for collaboration opportunities with community partners such as Probation and Parole so we are better able to offer prevention services locally.”
Cornman concluded by expressing gratitude for the hard work of everyone involved in preventing more residents from becoming victims of crime.