UTSA College of Public Policy event
Ex-offender speaks on community reentry at College of Public Policy event
(Nov. 10, 2004)--During a recent event at UTSA, former prisoner and six-time offender Clarence Watson spoke to students, faculty and community organizations about his successful reentry into society. Watson, on parole until 2026, was part of the UTSA College of Public Policy and KLRN-TV national media outreach campaign on reentry.
Prisoner reentry is the process of leaving prison or jail and returning to society. According to Lisa McGrath, KLRN vice president of education, more people are leaving prison across the country to return to their families and communities than at any time in history. Many have difficulty reconnecting and reintegrating with the work force, housing, their families and the health care system.
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RSS FeedsPictured, from left to right, are Michael Gilbert, UTSA Department of Criminal Justice chair; Priscilla Murguia, executive director of Woman at the Well House residential facility for female ex-offenders; Carol Lockett, Bexar County Juvenile Probation Office supervisor; and Watson.
"People keep doing bad things because they feel there is no hope," said Watson. "There is hope. You [students] who work or will work with prisoners are the hope."
Watson says he successfully reintegrated into society because of the support of his parole officers. He earned his degree from Wayland Baptist University and now is a drug and alcohol counselor.
Part of the reentry campaign includes PBS preview screenings and panel discussions at the UTSA Downtown Campus that are free and open to the public. See the schedule below.
For more information, contact Lisa McGrath at (210) 270-9000 or John Byrd at (210) 458-2535.
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2005 Screening dates and programs
Jan. 27
Barriers to Offender Reentry
March 31
Housing, Employment, Health and Special Needs Issues
May 26
Family, Faith and Social Networks
July 28
Youthful Offenders
Sept. 29
Women Offenders
Dec. 1
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