From Turn to 23, by Eric J. Dockery.

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — Kern County Probation Department & GEO Reentry Services held a graduation for 30 individuals who wanted to change the trajectory of their lives. GEO is a free program that services those on probation.

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The Kern County Probation Department and GEO reentry services guided more than two dozen individuals and helped them turn a new page.

When entering this program, students were heading in the wrong direction. While at this program they offer recovery services, & help them find a job, to reenter society.

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[Graduate] Christina Roper said,

“I just feel like a brand new person, I feel like I’m me and not hiding behind anything. I’m responsible now, I’m reliable now, and I’m contributing to society and putting in work.”

Organizers and probation officers tell me how proud they are of each student for taking the time to make themselves a better person.

“Thanks to the graduates for hanging in there, it takes a lot of resiliency for one to go somewhere where you’re told to go. Then hang in there long enough to see the impact it has on your life. Then jump in and engage. Once you start engaging that’s when the momentum gets to build. That’s when you start to see true success so the graduates deserve a lot of the credit.” said Bill Dickinson, Chief Probation Officer.

If you know someone who needs help, organizers ask that you reach out to the Kern County Probation Department, and they can refer you to GEO.

Read the full article and watch the video clip here.