Chatham Community Library, in partnership with Chatham County’s Diversion and Advocacy Programs, will host a screening of the film, Benevolence: A Journey from Prison to Home (2018) followed by a discussion with the film's producer, Joanne Hershfield, on Wednesday, April 15, from 6:00 pm-8:00 pm in the Holmes Family Meeting Room.  This program is free and opened to the public.

Benevolence, A Journey From Prison to Home follows the journey of five women as they are released from prison and move onto Benevolence Farm in Alamance County, NC. This documentary film is an important educational tool for engaging with contemporary issues related to women and criminal justice reform. It promotes instructive discussions about how gender affects incarceration and reentry and reveals what women face as they move from prison back into society.

Following the film screening there will be a discussion with producer Joanne Hershfield, Ph.D. Professor Emeritus, the Department of Women’s and Gender Studies at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

This event is part of Chatham County's celebration of Second Chance Month which highlights the challenges faced by thousands of individuals returning to their communities after completing prison sentences and post-release supervision. These individuals often encounter barriers to employment, housing, and support systems.

Reentry programs play a critical role in helping people rebuild their lives and successfully reintegrate into their communities. By connecting individuals with resources from government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and local businesses, these programs create pathways to stability and opportunity.

Members of the media interested in attending/covering these events are asked to please notify Public Information Officer Kara Lusk in advance at 919-542-8258 or kara.lusk@chathamcountync.gov.