It was the first class to complete L.I.F.E. Tech, a new transition program designed to prepare the parolees to re-enter society. The Life skills Influenced through Fundamentals and Education Tech program began in April.
 
L.I.F.E. GOALS
The goals of the Life skills Influenced through Fundamentals and Education (L.I.F.E. Tech) program are:

> Give parolees the social skills needed to re-enter society
> Ensure students have the skills needed to gain em ployment after going on parole
> Reduce recidivism of parolees

"In April, we were given the opportunity no one else had," said Amanda Smith Williamson, a member of the class. "We learned as we went. It broke some rules, and we made up new ones. We learned as we went. All of us learned along the way that we had inside what we needed: strength, hope and faith."

The effort is aimed at reducing recidivism, said Bob Romine, vice chancellor of adult education work force development for the state Department of Postsecondary Education.

"This is a transition center for the parolees," he said. "They are given the skills they need to find jobs after they get out on parole. They are taught computer technology, social skills and what it takes to survive in the free world."

This marks the first time an effort like this has taken place in Alabama. Now about 160 women are taking part. Once it's up to full speed, the program can handle 200 students. The Alabama Board of Pardons and Paroles operates it with assistance from a laundry list of other state agencies.

"Gov. (Bob) Riley saw the need, and decided the different agencies needed to work together," said William Segrest, executive director of the state pardons and paroles board. "We've been dreaming about a program like this for years. I've been doing some research, and I don't think there is a similar program in the country."

The center is on the grounds of the former J.S. Tarwater Developmental Center, which was operated by the Alabama Department of Mental Health and Retardation. The center was closed six months ago when the state consolidated facilities.

The staff of L.I.F.E. Tech is a godsend, said Wendy Parker.

"We met special people who helped us regardless of our past," she said. "They taught us failure is never final, that we could go forward. They never gave up on us."

The pilot program is funded through budget year 2005. If it proves successful, similar transition centers will be set up to handle male parolees. There is no timeframe for setting up more centers, Segrest said.