By: WCSO Staff
March 14th, 2025
[Fitchburg, MA] – On February 20th, the Fitchburg Community Justice Support Center (FCJSC) hosted a Transition Recognition Ceremony in the Fitchburg Legislative Building to celebrate the achievements of over 15 clients who seek services at the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office support center on Prichard Street.
During the ceremony, family, friends, local officials, and WCSO staff celebrated the achievements of various clients who completed the center’s transformative four-phase program, reached specific milestones within the program, passed HiSET subject tests, or secured employment through their hard work and dedication.
Mark Leary, Director of the Fitchburg Community Justice Support Center, commented, “Having the opportunity to participate in a day like today and see people succeed and families being put back together is not a job; it’s a privilege to be able to help make that type of difference in someone’s life.”
The Fitchburg Community Justice Support Center, managed by the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office in collaboration with the Massachusetts Office of Community Corrections, provides rehabilitative and support services for those in the criminal justice system. Available resources feature educational programs, college readiness, job training, substance abuse treatment, and mental health support. The center aims to reduce recidivism by tackling the underlying causes of criminal behavior and helping participants achieve stability and self-sufficiency.
“These centers are leading the charge on diverting low-level criminal offenders from prison,” Commented Worcester County Sheriff Lew Evangelidis. “This model allows offenders to go about their daily lives with an increased sense of structure and accountability. Individuals who seek our services are also provided with opportunities to better their lives through educational opportunities such as completing a high school equivalency program or taking advantage of college readiness resources.”
The Support Center offers multiple treatment entry pathways. Individuals currently or have been involved in the justice system can access services. The Center’s program includes Intensive Supervision Treatment, Pretrial Treatment and Services, Post-Disposition Treatment, and voluntary Reentry Services. All participants recognized are justice-involved, whether court-mandated, on parole, or seeking services voluntarily.
“When I first started here, I wanted nothing to do with changing my ways,” commented Shaun Tompkins, an FCJSC client recognized during the ceremony. “The thought of ever-changing was not in my world. I resisted all attempts to reach me. Then something happened, I began to listen and see that these people cared. They were trying very hard to help save me from myself. Then, I reached an all-time low and lost everything. The counselors and staff did so much to help me and my family. They saved Christmas for my daughter, and most of all, they kept me going and strong through that time.”
During the ceremony, various local officials offered comments to those being recognized, including Fitchburg Mayor Sam Squailia, OCC Deputy Director Pat Horne, Presiding Judge Christopher LoConto, Chief Probation Officer Rebecca Ramirez-Abdella, Fitchburg Chief of Police Steven Giannini, State Representative Michael Kushmerek, State Representative Natalie Higgins, Sheriff Lew Evangelidis and many others.
“Today is a beautiful day because it marks the beginning of the rest of your lives with the friends and family sitting beside you,” commented Worcester County Sheriff Lew Evangelidis. “This center represents second chances and a new approach to rehabilitation. Together with our partners in the courts, probation, local police departments, and various stakeholders, we are striving to create a more effective system that helps individuals get back on their feet and find the right path forward.”
To learn more about the services offered through the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office and the Fitchburg Community Justice Support Center, please visit www.WorcesterCountySheriff.com.
