Local programs strive to make society better edward Biittig sr.
On Sept. 25, I attended three events that, for someone in recovery for more than 44 years, really moved me.
First, I attended Cohoes City Court where the U-CAN (United Against Crimecommunity Action Network) program was holding its monthly installment of a program that gives young people who have committed misdemeanors a chance for redemption instead of jail. It was my second visit. The program is the brainchild of Cohoes City Court Judge Andra Ackerman. The participants in the program have a list of requirements to follow, set forth by the court and a volunteer from the New York State Mentoring Program to guide them.
Next, I made my way to the Albany County Court where the first five participants in Ackerman’s program were graduating. The keynote speaker was former state first lady and founder of Mentoring USA, Matilda Cuomo. The introduction of graduates and presentation of diplomas was done by Ackerman. I was able to speak with each one of the graduates and they all said that Ackerman and participation in the program had made a world of difference in their lives.
My last stop of the day was the victim impact panel at Guilderland Town Hall, a court-mandated, three-hour program for those arrested for drunken or impaired driving. The purpose is to have those in attendance listen to statements from people whose lives have been affected by drunken or impaired driving with the hope that the 100 to 200 people in the room get the message of the dangers of DWI and DWAI.