In-Person Programming, Contact Visits Return to Jail As the jail returns to normal operations following the pandemic, the Re-Entry Services program has stepped up their offerings to those in the jail. In May, Pittsburgh Action Against Rape (PAAR) taught a “Men in the Know” class about building healthy relationships, recognizing unhealthy relationships, and being a positive role model for children. PAAR also provides mindfulness and trauma classes on the female housing units. The MAYA Organization of Pittsburgh has also returned to the jail to teach yoga classes. The jail reintroduced mixing pods for worship services for Protestant, Catholic, and Muslim incarcerated persons. This means individuals who reside in different housing units can attend services together on the level gym or in the chapel. Mixed pod services were suspended during the pandemic. Monthly contact visits also resumed in February, with a rollout for the juvenile population. The program expanded to include incarcerated workers in April, drug and alcohol and Foundation of HOPE participants in June, and Re-Entry Services program participants in July. Each group has a Saturday designated for its contact visits. Graduation In June, the jail held its first in-person graduation ceremony since the beginning of the pandemic. A total of 12 individuals earned diplomas, and three still resided at the jail and were able to participate in the ceremony. Six graduated from the juvenile program and an additional six through the adult program. The graduates’ friends and family were able to attend the ceremony.
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