The North Carolina Department of Public Safety is spotlighting efforts in the state to help ex-offenders being released from prison succeed in society, in recognition of April 24-30 as National Reentry Week.

According to Frank L. Perry, Public Safety secretary, about 95 percent of all inmates will one day be released from prison and reintroduced to society.

The statistic means efforts should be made to help these men and women succeed in becoming law-abiding, productive citizens, rather than reoffending and going back to prison.

When people are sent to prison, their rehabilitation begins through a process that identifies specific needs in areas such as medical, mental health, substance abuse and education. Inmates participate in basic educational programs and learn skills and trades through a variety of vocational programs offered in conjunction with the North Carolina Community College system. The programs help the inmates with transitioning to life after prison, whether it’s learning time-management, a trade, building a good work ethic or other skills.

A program conducted by a Washington organization helps both inmates and those offenders who are looking for a second chance to have a productive, successful life.

Purpose of God Annex’s Project New Hope has teamed up with several area organizations to form a coalition of resources and volunteers to help area adults who need a second chance.

Program participants are exposed to a coursework that hones their communication and computer skills, as well as marketing and money management to teach them to become financially successful. Those in the program are also introduced to faith, giving them a connection to a higher power.

The program even branches out to the Beaufort County Detention Center, where founder Bishop Samuel Jones hosts a weekly class for inmates, giving them valuable instruction about skills that could help them once they’re released. He also advocates for participants in the court system.

Everyone deserves a second chance, and programs and initiatives that do just that give people hope and a chance at a better life, keeping them out of the court system and in a productive, successful mindset. Ultimately, it gives people a sense of worth and encourages them to rise above their situation.