The Rockwall County Sheriff's Office is partnering with One CommunityUSA and Pathways to H.O.P.E. to provide evidence-based reentry services for inmates at the Rockwall County Detention Center.
The Pathways to H.O.P.E. program is a comprehensive initiative designed to assist both justice-involved veterans and civilian offenders as they reintegrate into society. It offers:
- A proven framework for reentry, diversion, restorative justice, and mentoring.
- Educational and rehabilitative services focused on personal improvement, mental health readiness, and pre-vocational and workforce readiness.
- Evidence-based education on opioid use disorder and substance use disorder (OUD/SUD), including expert-led sessions and warm hand-offs to prevent gaps in transition, outreach, or recovery services.
This initiative supports inmates in their personal, educational, and rehabilitative growth while striving to reduce recidivism through organized programming and continuous vocational and career training. These services align with the guidelines for utilizing opioid settlement funds recently awarded to Rockwall County, aimed at supporting effective interventions that address opioid use disorder and its broader effects, which is currently the leading cause of death for individuals released from jail.
“At One CommunityUSA, we believe in the transformative potential of community support. Our partnership with the Rockwall County Sheriff’s Department to bring the Pathways to H.O.P.E. restorative justice and reentry program into the Rockwall County jail is a significant step toward fostering rehabilitation and reducing recidivism for both veteran and civilian offenders. Together, we are committed to empowering individuals with the tools and resources they need to reintegrate successfully into society, creating a safer and more supportive community for all,” stated Ian Feuer, President and CEO of One CommunityUSA.
Under Sheriff Terry Garrett's leadership, the Detention Division is dedicated to implementing innovative programs that enhance inmate wellness and prepare them for life after incarceration. One key initiative is the job training program in partnership with Trinity Service Group, where inmates learn essential culinary skills in a commercial environment and can become certified as FoodSafe® Handlers. Additionally, the OverWatch system enhances inmate safety through real-time monitoring of vital signs. The detention center also offers an equine therapy program to build confidence and emotional stability, along with daily individual counseling services in collaboration with various universities. Inmates have access to an extensive library of educational, rehabilitative, and spiritual resources when they are not actively participating in programming.
According to Captain Gray of the Detention Division, “The stark reality of the criminal justice system regarding corrections is that nearly 95% of inmates in jail and prison will be released back to their communities. Before their incarceration, 73% of these individuals had a history of drug use. In 2000, nearly $40 billion was spent on jails and prisons in the United States. Given the astronomical cost of incarcerating individuals, our community's investment in public safety must be purposeful and aimed at creating safer communities.”
Through these combined efforts, the Rockwall County Detention Center is committed to delivering comprehensive support, equipping inmates with the skills and emotional resources they need for successful reintegration into their communities.