Federal court partners with bank, college and drug treatment center to help felons
A federal court in Pennsylvania aims to help ex-convicts reintegrate into society by getting them loans, an education and drug treatment.
The new initiative by the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania is part of a program established in 2009 to help former offenders adjust to life outside of prison, the Associated Press reports. The new effort is a partnership between the federal court and three entities:
• ESSA Bank & Trust, which will teach money-management classes and provide loans of up to $15,000 for housing, transportation or education.
• Pyramid Healthcare Inc. of Altoona, which will offer drug counseling and treatment.
• Northampton Community College, which will offer high school equivalency classes, job training and degree programs.
