News and Media

July 2011: HAT PROGRAM PLANS 1 YEAR ANNIVERSARY

September 1, 2011 marks the 1 year anniversary of the ribbon cutting ceremony, performed by Sheriff Don Eslinger, outside the John E. Polk Correctional Facility.  To mark the anniversary, we will hold a celebration event.  All program participants, community partners, station's of hope, churches, and local businesses will be invited. 

Educating the community on the needs of the Returning Citizen's and their familes is a goal for HAT. Information tables throughout the lobby area will provide information updates.

Where:   Harvest Time International
When:    September 1, 2011
Time:     6:30pm - 7:00pm food and fellowship
             7:00pm - 8:30pm

October 2010: Rev. Dr. Wilson Goode: keynote speaker CAPA Conference

Rev Goode presented his vision for CAPA during the Freedom Luncheon.  He asked for all in attendance that would commit to the work of serving the incarcerated and their families.  He asked to be joined on the stage by all who were willing to make a commitment to provide a hand to those in the wilderness and wait until all had been brought out before going into the promised land.  The stage was full, he commented, "Don't worry, if it breaks we will simply build another!"  Two Hundred or more joined in.

August 2010: Faith Leaders Gather

On August 11, 2010 a historic gathering of faith leaders took place.  The Inaugural luncheon of the Healing and Transition (HAT) Program convened 81 leaders from the Central Florida area to hear how they can become a Station of Hope.  As a Station of Hope they will commit to become a welcoming House of Worship.

There were eighty one (81) participants at the gathering from many denominations and faiths.  From that group twenty one (21) of the Houses of Worship have signed a commitment to participate as a Station of Hope.  These locations will begin the process of training, recruiting mentor/coaches and preparing to accept Returning Citizens into their congregations.

Guest speakers included:
Sheriff Don Eslinger, Sheriff, Seminole County
Mr. Lee Isbelll, designe of Chief Tidwell, Orange County Corrections
Chaplain Bob Gregory, Sr. Chaplain Good News Jail Ministry, Seminole County

October 2010: HAT Program Channel 6 News Report

The HAT program was previewed on Chanel 6 news as a new community service program.  We are excited about bringing this to the community.  See how to connect to what we are doing on the CONTACT tab.

Click the link to view the report.  "Inmates Getting a Head Start before they are Released"

September 2010: HAT Program Kick-off - Seminole County Jail

September 1, 2010 was the official kick off for the HAT Program  at the John E. Polk Correctional Facility in Seminole County. To mark this historic occasion, Sheriff Don Eslinger, and others participated in a ribbon cutting ceremony. The Sheriff's staff has been extraordinary in assisting the HAT team with the implementation of the program. 

Pictured Below: Maria Penzes, Chaplain Bob Gregory, Joe Acton, Sheriff Don Eslinger, Gretchen Kerr, Major David Diggs, Captain Manley, Emily Tallman, Frank Coar.