Washington County moves forward with Community Rebuilding Initiative [Video]

A first-of-its-kind program in Arkansas is moving forward in Washington County. The program aims to address jail overcrowding while helping non-violent offenders get back on their feet. County leaders are planning for the home of the former Crisis Stabilization Unit to soon serve as home of the Community Rebuilding Initiative. A residential facility that would help certain inmates become equipped to succeed in life and not end up back in jail.In just a few short months, the empty rooms inside of the old CSU could once again be occupied. Washington County received more than $355,000 in federal grant money through the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration for a residential substance abuse treatment program. It will focus on rehabilitation, skill development, and community reintegration. For the head of the non-profit prison ministry, Returning Home NWA, being part of the mission is deeply personal. “I ended up serving seven-and-a-half years in …