Motivational Speech Will Address Inmates Enrolled in Innovative Corrections Programs
LA PLATA, Md. (February 22, 2011) — The Charles County Sheriff's Office Corrections Division is pleased to announce that Dexter Manley, former Washington Redskins football player and current motivational speaker, is paying a visit to inmates enrolled in educational and rehabilitative programs at the Charles County Detention Center.
Manley, who won two Super Bowl rings with the Washington Redskins and was named an All-Pro defensive lineman, was asked by Ryan Taylor, Reentry Coordinator and Classification Officer at the Detention Center, to talk with the inmates and share his personal story of his struggles with substance abuse.
Taylor said he read about Dexter in a newspaper article and thought the former pro-athlete could motivate inmates who have substance abuse issues to seek help for their addictions. In addition, Manley will also talk about his lifelong struggles with illiteracy and how he overcame his inability to read.
Sheriff Rex W. Coffey said although the Corrections Division's primary responsibility is to keep inmates secure, staff routinely look for ways to help inmates make better decisions as they prepare to re-enter society. "Inmates at our Detention Center are serving short-term sentences and often re-enter our community within several months of being sentenced. Our staff is always looking for ways to try to help rehabilitate them," said Sheriff Coffey. In 2009, Officer Taylor was awarded a Sheriff's Award for finding innovative ways to work with inmates who are seeking transition into the community.
"The ultimate goal of all of our programs at the Detention Center is to reduce recidivism by equipping offenders with necessary life skills and tools before they are released. Some inmates truly desire positive change and we believe they will relate to Dexter's story. Our hope is they can learn something from him and make better choices as they become a part of our community again," said Officer Taylor.
Source: Charles County Sheriff's Office