The St. James Episcopal Church, 96 East Genesee St., Skaneateles presents “From Jail to Redemption: Transforming Lives Behind Bars,” at 7 p.m. May 16, 2024. The discussion will feature Cayuga County Sheriff Brian Schenck and Randy Smith, peer recovery advocate for Nick’s Ride 4 Friends in Auburn. The discussion is free and open to the public and is hosted by the St. James’ Racial Justice and Reconciliation Commission.

An estimated 1.9 million people are incarcerated in prisons and jails across the United States. Sheriff Schenck will discuss new, restorative programs at the Cayuga County Jail designed to enable a smoother transition into the community for people who are incarcerated. The programs include teaching people problem-solving skills, as well as establishing community partnerships to provide treatment for addiction and other mental illnesses inside the jail that continue when individuals are released. The goal is to reduce and/or prevent people from returning to jail.

Sheriff Schenck has been the Cayuga County Sheriff since 2019. He began his law enforcement career in 1997 as a deputy sheriff in Cayuga County. His law enforcement career includes more than 16 years as a detective/investigator and as supervisor of the detective and violent crimes unit in the Cayuga County Sheriff’s Office.

Mr. Smith leads group sessions for those who are incarcerated and struggling with addiction. Nick’s Ride 4 Friends is a nonprofit organization committed to fighting substance abuse disorders by providing peer-based recovery services and resources for those who struggle with addiction. The organization’s drop-in-center is located at 13 Chapel St. and is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays.

In addition to his role as a peer recovery advocate for Nick’s Ride, Mr. Smith leads Combat Recovery, a boxing and mixed martial arts gym in the basement of the drop-in center, where he shares his experiences as a fighter.