The Crossroads Community Correction Center

-By Janice Riddle

For 30 years, the Safer Foundation has been addressing the critical needs of ex-convicts. This foundation manages Crossroad Community Correction Center. The foundation is the largest provider of employment services for ex-offenders in the United States and provides shelter to 350 residents.

But now, the Crossroad Community Correction Center is facing the threat of closing as early as July 1 because of Illinois Gov. Ryan's proposed budget cuts. In order to balance his proposed 2003 budget, the governor had to make some tough decisions to cut proposals.

"The reductions were necessitated by the national economic recession worsened by the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11th," Ryan said in a statement.

"Crossroads Community Correction Center might lose funding because we are a vendor of the Illinois Department of Correction. We receive money from United Way and other private organizations," says Program Director Susan Glickey.

Crossroads Community Correction Center located on the West Side of Chicago, 3210 West Arthington, has been lobbying in Springfield to stay open. The center is one of three facilities that may lose funding.

Crossroads Community Correction Center focuses on getting these former offenders jobs.

"At this facility, we only allow males who were convicted of a non-violent crime stay here. We have the best GED program in the State of Illinois and we are the largest adult transitional program in the state," says Glickey.

When these former offenders arrive at the center they are provided with a meaningful needs assessment and a self-inventory session that address their needs. They are able to receive emergency services including food, clothing, shelter and medical assistance that may have otherwise been overlooked. They are eligible to receive employment, education and training to help them be better citizens.

"If former convicts have positive things to occupy their time such as employment, these former offenders that want to change are motivated to change," Glickey says.

"They also make good employees because they have a sense of responsibility," she says. The range of jobs that are successful for Safer Foundation clients include light assembly, warehousing and manufacturing.

The issue still remains that the Crossroads Community Correction Center may close because of Governor Ryan's proposed budget cuts.

"Valley View Youth Center and Vienna Adult Center located in Southern Illinois may also loose funding. But if these buildings close they are going to build three new facilities that will provide services just like the ones that they provide," Glickey says. "But if Crossroad closes, that's it."

The phone number for the Crossroads Community Correction Center is 773-533-5000.

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