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Log inA helping hand for city's incarcerated
A helping hand for city's incarcerated
by Outspoken on Sat Jun 14, 2008 5:15 am
A helping hand for city's incarcerated
BY MEGHAN V. MALLOY
Staff Writer Kennebec Journal
Amy Cherkassky isn't one to back away from challenges.
At the age of 28, the Sabattus native has earned her master's in human services and is currently writing a dissertation for her doctorate, also in human services.
Cherkassky's biggest challenge right now, however, is tackling the best way to provide mental health care, counseling and overall programming for Kennebec County's incarcerated.
If the energetic Cherkassky has any nervous reservations about her new position as the Kennebec County jail's programs director, she doesn't show it.
"I'm excited," she said of the position. "I'm ready for this."
Cherkassky was hired as the new programs director for the Kennebec County jail May 12. Her duties include assessing existing programs for inmates already behind bars, overseeing the implementation of new programs, such as faith-based counseling and study for interested individuals, and possibly re-evaluating the direction of jail programs.
The first month, Cherkassky said, has been "positive."
"The first three weeks were the basics," she said. "I did checks with corrections officers walking the floors and it was very interesting."
Last week, Cherkassky had the opportunity to execute a work-detail program for inmates who have committed multiple offenses. Thirty-six low-security inmates were shuttled to Pine Tree camp in Rome to repair machinery, mow the grounds and haul docks into the water.
Such guided instruction for inmates is crucial, Cherkassky believes.
"Not everyone in jail is a hardened criminal," she said. "People make mistakes and accept the punishment for it, but sitting behind the walls (of a jail) isn't always beneficial."
http://kennebecjournal.mainetoday.com/news/local/5139864.html
BY MEGHAN V. MALLOY
Staff Writer Kennebec Journal
Amy Cherkassky isn't one to back away from challenges.
At the age of 28, the Sabattus native has earned her master's in human services and is currently writing a dissertation for her doctorate, also in human services.
Cherkassky's biggest challenge right now, however, is tackling the best way to provide mental health care, counseling and overall programming for Kennebec County's incarcerated.
If the energetic Cherkassky has any nervous reservations about her new position as the Kennebec County jail's programs director, she doesn't show it.
"I'm excited," she said of the position. "I'm ready for this."
Cherkassky was hired as the new programs director for the Kennebec County jail May 12. Her duties include assessing existing programs for inmates already behind bars, overseeing the implementation of new programs, such as faith-based counseling and study for interested individuals, and possibly re-evaluating the direction of jail programs.
The first month, Cherkassky said, has been "positive."
"The first three weeks were the basics," she said. "I did checks with corrections officers walking the floors and it was very interesting."
Last week, Cherkassky had the opportunity to execute a work-detail program for inmates who have committed multiple offenses. Thirty-six low-security inmates were shuttled to Pine Tree camp in Rome to repair machinery, mow the grounds and haul docks into the water.
Such guided instruction for inmates is crucial, Cherkassky believes.
"Not everyone in jail is a hardened criminal," she said. "People make mistakes and accept the punishment for it, but sitting behind the walls (of a jail) isn't always beneficial."
http://kennebecjournal.mainetoday.com/news/local/5139864.html
"Music is a moral law. It gives soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and charm and gaiety to life and to everything."
Plato (427-347 BC)
Plato (427-347 BC)
