West Boylston – Standing before over 200 community activists, corrections personnel, and public safety officials, Sheriff Guy Glodis today formally dedicated the new Almost Home Program at the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office, a 12-person residential halfway house for former inmates.  The Sheriff was joined by Attorney General Tom Reilly, Chairwoman Maureen Walsh of the MA Parole Board, Undersecretary of Criminal Justice Pat Bradley, and Hampden County Sheriff Michael Ashe for the ribbon-cutting. 

“I embarked upon this ambitious project because I believe that reducing recidivism must be the cornerstone of this administration’s efforts,” Sheriff Glodis stated.  “The Almost Home Program keeps former inmates off the streets, away from crime, and working towards becoming productive members of the community.”

The Almost Home Program is a collaboration between the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office, the Massachusetts Parole Board, and Dismas House of Massachusetts, Inc., using a proven, successful format for inmate reintegration.  Dismas House Executive Director Dave McMahon commented: “Sheriff Guy Glodis has been a critical element to the development of this program.  It was his forward-thinking and commitment that has gotten us to this point.”

Eight of the twelve participants in the program will be parolees, as designated by the Massachusetts Parole Board.  Chairwoman Maureen Walsh highlighted the importance of post-incarceration services: “The Almost Home Program is a prime example of the best we have to offer for re-entry efforts in Massachusetts.   We recognize the leadership and vision Sheriff Glodis has shown to make this program a reality.”

Participants in the Almost Home Program are supervised around the clock, submit to random drug testing, take part in one-on-one substance abuse counseling, learn GED and job skills training, and receive re-entry case management.   Volunteers from local colleges and churches provide mentoring and meal preparation for the residents.

Also taking part in the ceremony was Hampden County Sheriff Michael Ashe, a national leader in post-incarceration inmate supervision and rehabilitation programs: “The partnerships that Sheriff Glodis has developed are so important to reducing recidivism and breaking the cycle of crime.  To me, what Sheriff Glodis has done is absolutely outstanding.”

 Sheriff Glodis noted that the conversion of the former Sheriff’s residence was completed on time and under budget because of the hard work of inmates and officers within the Community Service Program, as well as countless donations from area businesses.  The use of in-house labor and equipment saved over $135,000. 

On hand to deliver the keynote remarks, Attorney General Thomas Reilly emphasized the need for additional programs like Almost Home: “Sheriff Guy Glodis made a campaign promise to create this program, and he kept his word.  That’s the measure of this man; he’s giving people a chance.  This is a wonderful program, and we’re going to take this all over the state.”

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