The Cincinnati Help Program has been putting in the work to rehabilitate people who have been incarcerated since 2007. With health problems facing the head of the program Wilson Willard, the group needs help more than ever to provide support to the people of Cincinnati.
The Program partners with employers in the area to secure jobs for those recently released from prison. Participants are provided transportation in the form of van rides and donated vehicles, allowing them to consistently show up on time for work, cementing their position at their job.
The Program also partners with landlords to find housing for program participants, trying to cover all aspects of life outside of prison.
Willard himself was incarcerated before he joined the Help Program, which fueled his understanding for who he was working with. He joined the program in 2016 and has been working tirelessly since then, despite a recent diagnosis of congestive heart failure.
“He is really the meat and potatoes of the program” said Tanyasha Chapman, a Case Manager at the Cincinnati Help Program. “Like he is very dedicated to its members. He’ll drive himself. He’ll get up even with his condition at 3 a.m. and drive people to work and pick them up.”
Chapman had also been incarcerated in 2017 before meeting Willard and taking part of the program. Chapman was able to receive transportation and even a donated car to get herself back on her feet after her release. She is now able to give back and help others in her position
“So that’s what I’m you know, most proud of just being able to help them like I’ve been helped,” said Chapman.
Chapman says the most important part of the program is transportation for participants.
Participants stay in the program for on average a year as their housing, transportation, and employment are solidified.
Because of Willard’s health issues, Chapman is worried for the future of the Help Program.
“You know his health is declining ,” said Chapman. “Is the fate of the program going to decline? So, we’re just looking for people who care and are here for the cause.”
People in the community can help in many ways, whether money, vehicle donations, or volunteer time. Interested individuals can visit https://helpprogramcincinnati.org/