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Summit County Organizations Develop New Partnership Aimed at Reducing Recidivism

The type of truck and container used for the nuclear waste
U.S. Department of Energy
The type of truck and container used for the nuclear waste

Oriana House, Stark State and Summit County Think Tank are joining forces to help people who’ve served time behind bars get their life back on track.

The program will help former felons earn a commercial driver’s license from Stark State College.

E.J. Brinson, the leader of Summit County Think Tank Coalition, says the program addresses education and employment, two of the main factors that lead to recidivism.

“We're able to tackle, through this initiative, things that will help prepare individuals to help re-enter society,” Brinson said.

Participants will begin enrolling in the CDL Pathway Program this week.

The groups are also looking at ways to assist felons who have been denied housing with Akron Metropolitan Housing Authority.

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Melissa Meyers is a senior at Kent pursuing a major in broadcast journalism. Along with interning at WKSU, she is also involved with Kent State's student-run news station, TV2 News. She currently anchors and produces the 6 pm newscast. After college she hopes to get a job working as a news reporter/anchor.