The Radford L. and Patricia Crocker Foundation prison pilot program funds staff positions, equipment and supplies to implement occupational therapy programs for developmentally disabled offenders housed in Texas institutions.
Occupational therapy programs offered include technology, cooking, gardening, arts and crafts, social skills, as well as health and wellness education. Technology classes include familiarization and use of a computer. Communication techniques and skills are also taught to aid releasees in the free world. Through these classes, the inmates build a sense of “I can do this!”
Re-entering society after incarceration can be very stressful. Mentors meet with the releasees before and after release to help ease them into their new life and provide loving support guiding them down the path of a successful future. After graduating from the occupational therapy classes, the releasees learn useful skills helping them become self sufficient, confident and proud.
Upon release, the need goes beyond the prison gate. The Radford L. and Patricia Crocker Foundation provides clothing and toiletries, as well as mentoring of each releasee in their process of reconnecting to the outside world. The Foundation also partners with community outreach agencies and programs to help those released with housing, jobs and healthcare needs.