Keynote Speaker Brian Kendrick at the ceremony held at Putnamville Correctional Facility.

Greencastle, Ind.— Putnamville Correctional Facility celebrate the graduates of “Recovery While Incarcerated” (RWI). RWI is an improvement plan, which is aimed to improve the quality of recovery services provided for incarcerated individuals.

Staff, offenders and families came together to celebrate the dedication each offender has shown in completing the program. The graduation consisted of friends and family of the men who graduated, Keynote speaker Brian Kendrick, RWI Director Gary Pridemore, program counsellors who work day in and day out teaching and assisting offenders in their recovery process, Warden Brian Smith, Deputy Warden Tim Phegley, Deputy Warden Keith Hartzel, and numerous other staff who have made a significant impact on the lives of the graduates.

Artwork made graduates as a representation of offender's path from addiction to life in recovery.

“Our program counselors and facility staff do an amazing job each day to ensure our clients are receiving the tools needed to live a sober lifestyle,” stated Gary Pridemore, Program Director over RWI at Putnamville. “Addiction is the largest reason why people committed the crimes they committed; if we can continue to hit the issue head on, I believe the RWI offenders and Indiana Department of Correction will have immeasurable success.”

Once the ceremonies concluded, offenders and their families were welcomed by staff to continue the celebration. Some incarcerated individuals made art work as a representation of their path from addiction to life in recovery. Drawings were voted on by attendees and the winner will be announced at a later date. All in attendance were also invited to visit with their loved ones and enjoy drinks and snacks.

Background
Governor Holcomb has issued a proclamation designating September as Recovery Month in Indiana, in conjunction with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s National Recovery Month. This year is the 30th anniversary of National Recovery Month.

National Recovery Month was created to increase awareness and understanding of mental and substance use disorders and celebrate the people who recover. The 2019 theme is Join the Voices for Recovery: Together We Are Stronger.

Recovery Month aligns with the Governor’s NextLevel Recovery initiative to combat the drug crisis and is focused on increasing awareness and understanding of mental and substance use disorders and celebrating people who enter recovery.

Artwork made graduates as a representation of offender's path from addiction to life in recovery.

Keynote Speaker Brian Kendrick at the ceremony held at Putnamville Correctional Facility.