• Home
• Contact

“Let me first express my appreciation for the extraordinary work that Safer does,” Jackson said. “Safer Foundation is one of the most accountable organizations in terms of federal money that we give out. Pound for pound, dollar for dollar, Safer produces what it is supposed to produce. What we spend through Safer actually works. I’m honored and privileged as a member of Congress to be associated with an organization like Safer Foundation.”

Williams also took time to thank the Congressman and talked about the successes of the Harvey office. Opened in 2003, the office has become one of Safer’s most efficient locations in terms of reducing recidivism.

“We are thrilled to have the Congressman stop by this office,” Williams said. “He’s one of the main reasons we’re here in this area and because of him, we’ve been able to help a lot of people find jobs. This Harvey office has the second lowest recidivism rate of any of Safer’s locations. The statewide average in Illinois is 52 percent, but when they receive Safer’s services here in Harvey, only 16 percent of those released go back to prison.”

Though Jackson lauded Safer’s work, he acknowledged that high incarceration and unemployment rates in the area are unacceptable. He then promised that he would continue to advocate for more opportunities in the south suburban area. He also urged residents to prepare younger people for the new economy to heighten the chances of success.

“I believe that if at the end of every criminal activity and incarceration there was an employment opportunity, there would be less crime,” he said. “The economy that Harvey used to be is not going to be the same in the future. A lot of those old manufacturing jobs aren’t coming back. We need to start preparing these guys for tomorrow’s economy. Because in a perfect economy—and not to take away from the work Safer does—but in a perfect economy, Safer’s not necessary. This shouldn’t be a perpetual program that we’re proud of, this should be a program that works toward a resolution. There’s a lot more that needs to be done, but we haven’t lost sight of the need to help people transition out of the penal system and into a normal life.”

Some of the clients in attendance then took the time to share some of their stories. DeAndre Smith noted that as soon as he started the Safer program, he could feel a difference in his outlook.

“In the first 15 to 20 minutes here just getting registered, I felt on the verge of something,” he said. “I feel these guys really have my best interest at heart. I have made mistakes in my life, but I know I’m on the right track.”

- David Dexter

• About
  • > Locations