PREP Center in Uniontown celebrates 'milestone' with 10th graduation

The Perry County PREP Center in Uniontown is celebrating what was called a milestone by the Alabama Bureau of Pardons and Paroles (ABPP) as more than 50 participants graduated in the tenth class on July 3. 

“PREP has become a best-practice and blueprint for what’s working in reentry,” ABPP Director Cam Ward said. “This is a lifechanging program that provides the tools, knowledge and guidance – whether that’s job training, mental health counselling or substance use treatment – for formerly incarcerated Alabamians to succeed in life after prison. Of course, this model and its success are only possible thanks to our great partners and our folks on the frontlines.”

A statement from ABPP said that the number now brings the total amount of graduates to nearly 400. The ABPP still touts that none of the graduates have returned to prison since the program began in 2022. 

Several speakers gave their thoughts during the graduation ceremony, including J.F. Ingram State Technical College President Annette Funderburk who was quoted as saying, "People make mistakes but that doesn't make you a mistake," to the class. 

Others to speak were Graduate Micah Williams, Lakrystal Love, Director of The GEO Group; Michael Brackin from Fatherhood Initiative at the Dallas County Director of Systems Services, Board Member Gabrelle Simmons and Board Member Darryl Littleton.