Rev. Al  and I have been waiting to get this one out there as the District Court Re-Entry Project program celebrates it's 8th Graduation this Wednesday November 30th at 11:30.

The District Court Re-Entry Project provides options to Baltimore City District Court Judges to select to send someone to one of 17 training programs across a multitude of industries.

The intended outcome is providing defendants with skills that lead to a job in Baltimore's workforce.  With over 165 men and women as graduates and a very small rate of recidivism, this program has captured the attention of our elected officials in Annapolis, especially Senator Cory McCray who knows a "Fire Starter" when he see's one.

He and Judge Pastore teamed up, got legislation crafted and passed so that this program could hone its work and become a model across the state.

I have known Judge Pastore for over 30 years and I met Cory about 6 years ago. You've got two people here that love themselves some Baltimore – born and raised here they both call it home. Both have run for political office, Nicki was spared by a small amount of votes as the universe had bigger ideas for her energy. This is her baby and it arose because defendants were concerned about the lack of jobs. Nicki, the innovative fixer, thought of giving them skills and sparing the State the cost of incarceration.

It's a labor of love for the Judge and I know a lot of hard work has gone into making the program a reality. No one works harder on these graduations.

It's working, and this Wednesday in Partnership with the Baltimore Ravens, Jermaine Lewis will be there to inspire the graduates on their new journey and turn this Court Appearance into one that is positive, lifts people and provides pride and dignity for those getting their graduation certificate.

Listen in and learn. Thanks to Senator McCray and Judge Pastore for coming in to spread the good news. It's Holy work!