DelCo CPR Graduation Cap & Gown Campaign

The George W. Hill Correctional Facility has always been a frontrunner in the success of their GED program. Across the Commonwealth, no other county has been able to match the 60% rate at which students at GWH pass the state exams. The credit rightfully belongs with the educational staff, who work tirelessly with the students to prepare them, and with the students themselves, who undertake the challenges of classroom study often many years after they were in a regular school.

In recognition of the hard work these men and women do as students, the jail holds formal graduation ceremonies. Each graduate is encouraged to invite their family to be present as they receive their diploma. The family can bring dress clothes and can sit for a nice picture with the graduate. When no dress clothing is available, the jail has actually purchased some, just to make the moment special.

For the past six months, Jen and Joe spread the word and contacted colleges and high schools.  They picked up the donations. We exceeded our own expectations. And so, we were proud to donate 29 complete sets to the George W. Hill Correctional Facility and another 13 sets to the Berks County Prison.

Joe and Cliff with the 29 caps and gowns donated to the George W. Hill Correctional facility.

Jen with Berks County Warden Jeffrey Smith.

The goal of DelCo CPR is to improve the quality of life for those confined to the George W. Hill Correctional Facility. Enhancing the graduation experience is one way to meet this goal.

DelCo CPR presents the 3rd Anniversary Report Card

In keeping with our mission to monitor progress towards those goals which we formally presented, DelCo CPR presented the 3rd Anniversary Report Card to the County Jail Oversight Board on June 17. While progress seems to have slowed in the third year, we were pleased to note that 46% of our proposed reforms have been met and another 25% are approaching our expectations. The monitoring of our jail is of prime importance to the citizens of Delaware County. You can read the report below.

DelCo CPR collects Caps & Gowns

At the request of Warden Laura Williams, the DelCo Coalition for Prison Reform launched a collection drive for gently-worn graduation caps and gowns. Reaching out to local universities, colleges and high schools, we amassed dozens by June 15th. They will be donated to the George W. Hill Correctional Facility so that those residents who complete their GED can have a picture taken in traditional fashion. The goal is to enhance the experience of reaching this milestone in life.

,

DelcoCPR presents "Protection Without Restriction" proposal to CJOB, Warden Williams

,

During the most recent County Jail Oversight Board meeting on August 8th, DelcoCPR leadership appeared in front of the Board to present the “Protection Without Restriction” proposal written by leadership, members, and friends of DelcoCPR. The proposal highlights unfair treatment of special populations within George W. Hill Correctional Facility — and envisions a facility that finds alternatives to isolation when protecting groups such as minors, elderly, and LGBTQ+ among others.

,

DelcoCPR Returns to In-person Organizing

,

For the first time since the beginning of the COVID-19 Pandemic, DelcoCPR will be holding an in-person organizing meeting with the option to join remotely via Google Meet. We are excited to return to a more normal organizing format with the hopes that it will bring meaningful dialogue and a greater sense of community. See you on February 16th at 7:30 at the Trinity Episcopal Church in Swarthmore!