SHARON Inmates work for this house, and vice versa

Putting in volunteer time helping nonprofit and government agencies is a requirement for those living in the halfway house.
By HAROLD GWIN
VINDICATOR SHARON BUREAU
SHARON, Pa. -- Rody Rogers likes doing community service work.
"I enjoy doing it. It helps out the community and shows we are trying to change," said the 48-year-old resident of the Sharon Community Corrections Center, 300 W. State St.
The center, with a capacity of 28, is one of 14 halfway houses for Pennsylvania prison inmates either recently paroled or about to be paroled. The average length of stay is six months.
Those sent to the facility are still in the custody of the state, though they have more freedom than if they were in a regular prison. They can't just come and go as they please, and they must strictly follow facility rules.
The requirements
Inmates must apply for community corrections living and undergo a screening process before they are accepted into the program. Only inmates sentenced to death or life imprisonment are barred from participating; those convicted of violent crimes and sex offenses must undergo additional screening before being accepted.
"Community service work is an integral part of our program," said Marcia Combine, director of Sharon Community Corrections Center.
Those sent to the center are required to find gainful employment and do community service work while held there, she said.
"It's to teach them what being a good citizen is all about, doing things for others without expecting anything in return other than satisfaction," Combine said.
A lot of them really take to it, she said, noting that some still participate even after being released from custody.
Finding own projects
Community service projects aren't just handed to inmates when they arrive. Like their job search, they are required to go out and find them on their own, though there are some regular projects that center residents assist on a regular basis, Combine said.
If they're holding down a full-time job, they must still put in three hours of community service a week.
If they aren't employed, the number jumps to 35 hours a week, she said.
"We're involved in a lot of different projects," Combine said, rattling off a list that includes the Prince of Peace Center in Farrell, a few food pantries and local ministries, the Humane Society of Mercer County, Columbia Theatre Inc., the United Way and many others.
"They've been a great help to us," said Sandra Drabick, executive director of the Humane Society of Mercer County.
They've helped with everything from cleaning kennels and exercising dogs to participating in parades and pet adoption fairs, she said, adding that she has found them to be "very hard workers" who appear to be dedicated to what they're doing.
Their help is "critically important," said the Rev. John Trojak, pastor of First Baptist Church on West State Street.
As many as six of the men help with the weekly food pantry operations at the church as well as with building and grounds maintenance.
"If they're not available, we're really short-handed," Trojak said. "I don't know what we would do without them."
Improved grounds
The Rev. Phil Roland, pastor of the interdenominational Sheepfold Ministries on North Irvine Avenue, said the men from the center have been extremely helpful in improving the grounds around the ministry, including building a retaining wall and expanding the driveway.
"They've provided the muscle," he said, adding that, on snowy winter Sunday mornings, some even show up to help elderly women parishioners from their cars.
Rogers, who was put back in state prison for violating terms of parole on a 1984 burglary charge by committing a drunken driving violation in Florida, said he was resentful when he first got assigned to the halfway house.
He has been paroled again, but the state parole board has temporarily directed him to live at the center.
He said he first thought he should just be released but has since come to realize that he still needs the structured environment the center provides. He said he understood its importance when he was walking by a bar on a recent hot day and was tempted to step inside and order a beer. Alcohol is a no-no for inmates and parolees.
Rogers arrived at the center two weeks ago and expects to stay about 90 days, he said.
Temporary assignment
Howard Johns, 34, has been at the center for nearly three months.
Like Rogers, he's been paroled but temporarily assigned to live at the center.
His crime was fleeing and eluding police and recklessly endangering another person, he said.
Johns said he has a home plan (required before an inmate is released) in place and a job waiting for him when he is released.
In the meantime, he has secured a local job and is putting in his community service hours, something he likes to do. It also helps to pass the time, he said, adding that he doesn't like to be idle.
"It makes you feel good," he said, as he trimmed weeds around First Baptist Church on a recent hot, sunny day.
There's satisfaction in just helping people, he said.