Probation literacy program turns 20

LYNN – Ten women on court probation in Lynn and Lowell graduated Friday from a literacy program designed to change their lives by introducing them to great books.During a brief ceremony at Lynn District Court, presided over by retired Lynn Chief Judge Joseph Dever, each graduate received a long-stemmed rose, a classic book and a certificate showing completion of a contemporary American literature seminar at Middlesex Community College. The event marked the program’s 20th year.Changing Lives Through Literature is a seven-session course that meets every other week. It involves reading assignments and group discussion, using literature to examine personal choices. The program is for women on court probation.Dever and Middlesex Community College professor Jean Trounstine founded it two decades ago. The pair joined Judge Ellen Flatley and Judge Stacey Fortes-White in presenting the certificates.Trounstine quipped that some candidates say they prefer prison over reading a book, but such thinking runs counter to the program’s overall success. The professor acknowledged it usually takes more than a reading seminar to turn around a life, but it’s a solid start.Dever said women on probation are given the opportunity to read books they might not otherwise encounter and by doing so can identify with the fictional characters. It could lead to the adoption of better role models and decision-making skills, he said.”You might even find yourself with the wonderful habit of reading,” Dever said. “So today belongs to our graduates who have read some very fine books.”The book list includes “Barbie-Q” by Sandra Cisnerso, “Sonny’s Blues” by James Baldwin, “Everyday Use” by Alice Walker and “Dinner at the Homesick Restaurant” by Anne Tyler.”The program is held at Middlesex Community College, so it’s a campus setting,” said Lynn District Court probation officer Michelle Carter-Donahue, the literacy coordinator along with Lowell District Court probation officer Michelle Bucceri-Hawes. “We provide transportation.”Carter-Donahue said participants are required to attend all classes, complete the reading assignments, actively participate in class and refrain from substance abuse. Each must be able to read and obtain a referral to the program from a probation officer or judge.The graduates were Devone Debendictis, Holly Falsini, Mary French, Stephanie McPortland, Sandra O’Connell, Kerri Powers, Jacquelyn Scibilia, Venise Smith, Lisa Boisvert and Elise Gleason. They ranged in age from 17 to 50.Dever emphasized the program is cost-effective. “It costs the state $45,000 a year to house a woman at Framingham,” he said, referring to the women’s prison. “It costs us $300-$400 per student to run this program.”Carter-Donahue noted the next literature seminar begins in March.