LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KTHV) -- The Arkansas Department of Corrections opened the state's first reentry facility.
The goal is to provide training and resources for prisoners before they are released back into the community.
Community health advocate Ruby Welch hopes the program will make the transition easier for inmates who have lost connection with the outside world. She knows firsthand what it's like to return to the outside world.
“It has a pure reentry focus it is designed for inmates for their re-entry into the community," said Welch.
The brand new Barbara Ester Unit will concentrate on keeping former inmates from returning to prison.
Department of Corrections public information officer Solomon Graves said, "In addition to receiving the reentry focus of the facility, they also have the additional privilege of being able to bond with their fellow brothers."
The unit will offer anger management therapy, substance abuse education, and training on how to land a job after prison. Welch served seven years in prison and knows how difficult is it to start the process. She questions how this program will benefit prisoners.
“There's already a lot of nonprofit transitional houses out there so to build something new and pour tax dollars into that?" asked Welch.
Welch wants to see the Department of Corrections work with organizations already established in the community.
"You’re going to have to use people who were formally incarcerated to help you along this walk because who better to tell you what I need, than me."