TERRE HAUTE – Hamilton Center, Inc. (HCI) celebrated Clinton resident Jacob Brown on February 21 as the most recent graduate of the corporation’s New Citizen Program.

The program, first established in 2013, gives individuals who have been incarcerated the tools needed for a second chance at life. Throughout a one-year probationary period, participants initially train in different areas of the Corporation to gain skills and experience to secure a permanent career at Hamilton Center. In addition to job skills, participants gain life skills as they work through the challenges of reintegration into their communities with a team of mentors who meet with them weekly.

In 2022, the program expanded to permit participants to work at willing local businesses around the Terre Haute community.

In cooperation with the Department of Corrections, Community Corrections, County Jails, the Federal Bureau of Prisons, and halfway houses, this program offers the opportunity to acquire job skills, employment, and a new way of life.

Brown started his year-long odyssey last February, and he has found a home on the HCI groundskeeping staff.

Hamilton Center, Inc. President/CEO Melvin L. Burks congratulated Brown on his accomplishment.

“You have completed a great accomplishment,” Burks said. “I’m proud of you because you could have walked away anytime, and you didn’t. You stayed with it and I’m hearing good reports about what you’re doing here at Hamilton Center.”

Brown, 35, is appreciative of the unique chance he has been given. “I want to thank you, Mr. Burks, because without you I wouldn’t have this opportunity, and I’m not quite sure where I’d be without this program,” he said. “As for the committee, thank you for pushing me this past year. I’m going to try to make you as proud as possible.”

Several other former program participants who still work for Hamilton Center were on hand to offer their congratulations and best wishes, knowing what Brown has accomplished to complete the program.

“This is a chance you wouldn’t get anywhere else,” said Teddy Brewer, the most recent graduate before Brown who works as a public safety officer. “It’s something to be proud of.”

Hamilton Center welcomes additional host sites and participants for the New Citizen Program. To learn more, visit www.hamiltoncenter.org/programs/new-citizen/ or call (812) 231-8192.