X

Second Chance Month: DRC Program Transforming Lives Day After Day

OPELIKA – In honor of Second Chance Month, we’ve reached out to Jeffery A. Smith, one of our successful Day Reporting Center participants. Here is his story:

I started my experience with the Day Reporting Center fresh out of Bullock Correctional Facility, and I am currently still a client. This program is not for everyone. It is only for those who are motivated to succeed in life and willing to work toward a common goal — staying out of prison.

I spent 12 years in an Alabama state prison. During my period of incarceration, I knew something had to change, and it had to start while I was still inside. I applied and received a federal government pell grant. I started college within the first month of being released. Once I was released to the DRC program, I was introduced to Officer Robert Pritchett. He seemed to be a solid man who knew his business. When he spoke, he meant what he said.

The beginning of the DRC program was somewhat intense causing some to struggle, but that’s what it’s all about. You must find those weaknesses and bring them out into the open. We as humans have issues with revealing our weaknesses. We don’t want others to know these weaknesses, and we don’t want to admit that we are weak. Daily reporting is what makes this program different. You are held accountable every day by someone who has the authority to put you in prison but who cares enough to want you to succeed. 

I truly believe this program makes a difference and so does Director Cam Ward. Opelika is a small town, and the DRC was a small program at the time. Mr. Ward took time out of what I’m sure is an extremely busy schedule to pay us a visit. He didn’t just make an appearance. He talked with each of us to see how we were holding up and what he could do to make things better. He also attended our graduation which showed me he was in for the whole ball game. I was impressed to see someone who genuinely cares.

As of today, I am set to graduate from Southern Union State Community College on May 9 with a degree in Industrial Mechanics. The DRC program and Officer Pritchett played a pivotal role in my success. I’m still a work in progress, but I am a happy person again and that’s what matters. I am grateful for the opportunity to start fresh. I will do my best to be the person God made me to be.