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About The skanner. (Portland, Or.) 1975-2014 | View Entire Issue (May 11, 2011)
arts & entertainment Artists Perform to Support Better People By Helen Silvis Of The Skanner News L inda Hornbuckle, Portland Police Chief Michael Reese and Deputy Director of Human Services, Margaret Carter: What do these very different people have in common? All three will be performing next Saturday evening at Irvington Covenant Church. The event is Jazzy Evening, a benefit for Better People, the nonprofit that helps ex-felons become pro- ductive members of society. Hornbuckle will perform with her band, featuring pianist Janice Scroggins. While former Sen. Carter will sing and Chief Reese will play guitar. Also on the playbill are: duo Barb Galloway and Donna Luckett; Lee Anthoney Orr and comedy from Portland Police Sgt. Willie Halliburton. “This is going to be a wonderful event and we encourage everyone to come along and enjoy them- selves,” says Clariner Boston, executive director of Better People. “And they ly groups that use a special technique called Moral Reconation Therapy. MRT is a type of therapy that focuses on choosing ethical and moral behavior. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Boston and her small staff run a program designed to help former inmates find and keep employment will also be able to support a good cause at the same time.” Boston and her small staff run a program designed to help former inmates find and keep employment. The program offers twice-week- Page 6 The Portland Skanner studies show that the thera- py significantly reduces recidivism. “We do not refer to our clients by any derogatory names,” Boston told The Skanner News. “We treat everyone with respect and when we talk about their histories, we refer to clients’ past legal issues.” A felony conviction almost always has a long term impact. Former felons are routinely denied hous- ing and employment, mak- ing it far more difficult for them to live ordinary, crime-free lives. “I originally decided to join Moral Reconation Therapy to find a job,” said Julie C., a program gradu- ate. “ However, once I began to learn more…I real- ized that this is not just a job placement program. Really, it is a process of becoming a better person… being hon- est with myself and every- one else; going back to school and staying away from people I associated with in the past are all posi- tive things MRT has helped me bring into my life…I am now doing positive things that guide me toward my future.” Joining the program demands a serious commit- ment from clients. Before clients can receive employ- ment assistance, they must attend therapy sessions. The goal is not only to help clients find and keep perma- nent living wage employ- ment, but also to help them develop solid ethical princi- ples and behaviors. It’s telling that police officers are among the program’s strongest advocates. “I continue to be impressed with Better linda Hornbuckle, who will be performing May 14 at Irvington Covenant Church People,” says retiring North Precinct Commander James Ferraris. “This organization works with those who have fallen down in society to turn their lives around and become productive and law abiding members of our community.” Boston admits that this is not the easiest time for any- one with a less than perfect record to seek employment. But, she says, once employ- ers join the program, they stick around because Better People’s graduates usually prove themselves to be hardworking, loyal employ- ees with a lot to contribute. “Our graduates do really well,” Boston says. “We have alumni who stay in touch with us for years, and we are very proud of their successes.” In June, Better People will hold one of its semi-annual forums on the topic The Economics of Incarceration: Pay Now or Pay More Later. That event will be held June 9 from 11:30am to 1pm at Irvington Covenant Church. Watch this space for details of speakers. This month, however, you can support Better People and enjoy some of Portland’s finest musicians at Jazzy Evening, 7-10 pm, Saturday May 14, at Irvington Covenant Church, 4046 NE Martin Luther King Jr., Blvd. Buy tickets online at Brown Paper Tickets.
