Sheriff Coppinger, Congressman Moulton to announce new community-based corrections program

  Essex County Sheriff Kevin Coppinger and U.S. Congressman Seth Moulton will be hosting a Grand Opening event on Monday, April 4, for a new community corrections program – Supporting Transitions And Reentry (STAR) – in Lawrence and Lynn aimed at keeping justice-involved individuals out of jail and on a path to a lifetime of success.Moulton was able to secure $850,000 in federal funds to help launch this program in Lawrence and Lynn. The offices are set to open next month and ready to serve 150 justice-involved individuals.

  The STAR program takes a holistic, community-based approach to help individuals achieve success, thereby reducing their risk of recidivism. Each participant is assigned a STAR Navigator, who builds a personal plan that includes connections to substance use disorder and mental health services, as well as such tools as educational and vocational training. A participant’s case plan is based on their personal needs and looks at all possible impediments, including housing and food insecurity. STAR also provides a flexible schedule to help participants support their work, family and community life.

  The Grand Opening will include representatives from the 20 community partner agencies involved in this collaborative program as well as Essex County judges, chief probation officers and chiefs of police.