New Citizen Program

Hamilton Center is proud to lead the way with a program that gives individuals a second chance. The program is designed to guide those who have been incarcerated into a new way of life. The participants complete a one year probationary period where they train in four different areas to gain skills and experience. Throughout the program the “New Citizen” meets with a team of mentors led by the CEO. The opportunity is life changing for someone who has been involved in the criminal justice system and is willing to turn their life around. The program offers support from Hamilton Center staff and community leaders to bring confidence and motivation to someone who is willing to become a new citizen.

Through the New Citizen program, Hamilton Center provides a second chance to individuals who have been incarcerated and/or convicted of a felony. In cooperation with the Department of Corrections, Community Corrections, County Jails, the Federal Bureau of Prisons and halfway houses, this program offers the opportunity to acquire job skills, employment, and a new way of life.

The “New Citizen” meets weekly with a team of mentors led by the program chair, program graduates, other participants, and those who have a key role in the project during which time they report on their activities, concerns, etc. and receive feedback from the committee.

Core Elements of the program include:

• Improve job skills and explore opportunities for job placement
• Develop a career not just a job
• Establish positive referrals/character references
• Improve community perception
• Develop positive relationships with community leaders
• Increase sense of self-worth and purpose

The opportunity is life changing for someone who has been involved in the criminal justice system and is willing to turn their life around. The program offers support from Hamilton Center staff and community leaders to bring confidence and motivation to someone who is willing to become a new citizen.

New Citizen Committee meets regularly with participants to discuss their current professional and personal environment. Since establishing the program, CEO, Melvin Burks has remained very involved in addressing issues and providing direction and encouragement.

The program allows two individuals to participate per year. One male and one female are chosen from a set of interviews conducted by the CEO and the leadership team. The elements of the program include:

• Daily interactions with mentors and other positive role models
• Weekly meetings covering current position, family, and transition from incarceration
• One year probationary period working in 4 different departments for 3 months each
• Participation in community events and fundraisers

The New Citizen Program is about supporting those who have made bad decisions that could negatively affect the rest of their lives. Hamilton Center has made it possible for these individuals to have a second chance. It is an extraordinary opportunity to start a new life, and travel down a supported path to success.