RECOVERY, SPECIAL NEEDS & EX-OFFENDER INFORMATION

The Connecticut Black Expo is deeply concerned about members of our community who may suffer from various illnesses as well as those who have been victims of abuse and domestic violence, and anyone who suffers from drug, and or substance abuse & dependency.

Therefore, we welcome all municipalities, ex-offender non-profit organizations, family alliance agencies, social service entities, and pioneers who have taken on the challenge to inform the community about the services that they currently provide, or hope to provide in the future.

These services range from ex-offender, rental assistance programs, health provider information for seniors, women and children, sober houses and treatment centers for the general public, and homeless shelters for the truly disadvantaged. We salute all of those who continue and strive to make these critical services available for those in need of them.

The Connecticut Black Expo Extends A Warm Welcome To All Of The Providers In This Field, Including, But Not Limited To The Following:

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE PROGRAMS

- SAFE SURRENDER PROGRAM

This program is designed for non-violent offenders who are aware that they have outstanding warrants, but are unwilling to turn themselves in for reasons such as knowing they don't have money for bail, or simply to maintain that close relationship with their immediate family, or how law enforcement officials may approach them with this prior knowledge.

The program provides legal counsel to individuals who turn themselves in at a neutral location outside of the criminal justice system, such as a church or community center, in the presence of family members and or loved ones to ensure that they will receive fair treatment while their case takes its course from arrest, to disposition.  

The success rate for this program is gaining more recognition. In collaboration with the US Marshall's Office, Churches, Probation Officers, and State and Local Law Enforcement officials, it is aimed not only at saving taxpayers money, but to also save the lives of many of these non-violent ex-offenders who become fearful of police officers because they know they have outstanding warrants and try to avoid capture.

Thus, this prompts police officers to raise their level of suspicion in their attempts to perform their duties. Unfortunately, too many suspects have found themselves in even more trouble than just having a warrant for a relatively minor incident. Some ex-offenders have lost their lives in their attempts to resist arrest without doing anything other than reacting to the fear of being taken away from their kids and loved ones.

The SAFE SURRENDER Program is on the agenda of The Connecticut Black Expo 2010.

THE CONNECTICUT PARDON APPLICATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM:

This Program Provides Free Assistance To Ex-Offenders In Submitting Petitions To The State of Connecticut Board Of Pardons & Paroles For Possible Expungement Of Criminal Histories.

* Janice Murray's "New Lifestyles Transitional House For Women"

With determination immeasurable by not only the human will to survive, Janice Murray has a story to tell, and a unique way of telling it. Call it the story that really was, and not that of any other repetitive and typical one that we are used to hearing on a regular basis. Featured in the "Living" section of our local newspaper, The New Haven Register on Sunday, May 31, 2009, her amazing story involves a lifestyle filled with adversities that began at the age of 14, and is mixed with all the ingredients that very few people are willing to open up about. Yet at the ripe age of 49, her story reflects the lifestyle of many others that have gone untold for decades.

There is an expression that "Experience is the worst teacher because it gives you the test before the lesson," and Janice could not agree more, as well as hundreds or even thousands of others who have been through strikingly similar trials and tribulations.

We'll leave the details to be be told in its entirety by her at this event, as she takes on the challenge of providing a haven to help those who have, and continue to struggle, with the obstacles that she has overcome.

Her next step is to bring to reality her dream of opening The "New Lifestyles Transitional House For Women. The Connecticut Black Expo encourages each and all to help make this dream a reality and support Janice with her efforts.

To contact Janice Murray, please call 203-691-9806 

OTHER VITAL SERVICES ARE ALSO PROVIDED BY: