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Since 1991, North Country Thresholds and Decisions, a sister program run by the Abbotts, has been quite successful at the Grafton County Correctional Center; 69 inmate-clients have graduated from NCTD. Statistically, under 16 % of NCTD graduates return to the Correctional System, versus a 52% recidivism rate for the general corrections population.
UVTD and NCTD are sponsored by RSVP of the Upper Valley and White Mountains. RSVP recruits and refers volunteers over 55 to local non-profit organizations, and provides ongoing support, including free supplemental auto, accident and professional liability insurance while on duty. For more information, call Teresa M. Volta at (603) 448-1825. Over half of the NCTD teachers are RSVP volunteers, including Betty and Dick Abbott, who coordinate the program. Last year RSVP volunteers shared over 900 hours of their time and experience with NCTD participants. RSVP hopes to recruit 30 volunteer teachers for UVTD.
Thresholds and Decisions, a non-profit organization, was formed in 1965 by Dr. Milton Burglass. A former inmate, Dr. Burglass realized that many inmates lacked the sound decision making skills which could help them avoid criminal behavior. To share his ideas with inmates, he incorporated symbols and story telling in his approach. T&D courses are now taught in over 30 locations in the United States. Local RSVP's and the Abbotts have also brought T&D to Cheshire and Hillsborough counties. Penny Rogers developed a workbook to give the course structure. She has been involved in redesigning the course to meet the needs of teenage parents, and individuals coping with substance abuse and related issues. The volunteer teachers are required to attend an intense 2 day training, which costs $25. The individual volunteer teachers then meet one-on-one with the person who they've been matched with, for one hour, twice each week in a "micro" session. The "macro" teachers meet with the whole group for 2 hours a week. The course runs for a 5 week period.
The young people's participation is on a voluntary basis. The role modeling by the volunteers, and the use of symbols and stories gives UVTD participants tools they can take with them. Randy Walker, Executive Director of Hannah House explains, "Our hope is to empower the pregnant and parenting youth we work with the make healthy decisions."
If you are interested in sponsoring a Thresholds & Decisions program in a corrections center near you, contact Edith Celley, Director, RSVP of the Upper Valley and White Mountains: telephone: (603) 448-1825; e-mail at: RSVP@valley.net.