Cybulski Prison Opens New Veterans Unit

Cybulski Prison in Enfield has opened a second veterans unit hoping to get those who served our country back on their feet

“I was in a car accident last February with 2 of my friends. I was intoxicated. One of my friends passed away,” inmate Adam Lincoln, of South Windsor, said.

Lincoln was convicted of Manslaughter With A Motor Vehicle and is scheduled to be released in 2018.

Before being arrested and taken to Cybulski Prison in February, Lincoln he was a reserve in the Army. He even deployed to Iraq.

Now, veteran inmates like him are part of the prison’s veterans unit, which provides more specialized services for veterans.

“We work on their overall wellness some of these folks have issues that are mental health related. And they may have some needs that may be associated with their background in the military,” said Scott Semble, commissioner of the Department of Corrections.

The unit was created thanks to a partnership with federal Veteran’s Affairs and Gov. Dannel P. Malloy’s “Second Chance” efforts to help inmates re-integrate with society once they’re released.
The unit opened in spring with 110 veteran inmates.

Monday’s dedication added another 110 veteran inmate-unit, which officially opened early October 1.

Department of Corrections Officials said there are nearly 700 inmates who are veterans in Connecticut.

“We became far more interested in permanent punishment than we did in permanent reform and it’s time to change that balance,” Malloy said.

“There’s a lot of promise, there’s a lot of hope,” Lincoln said. “And for the guys that are getting out, they’re all set. They have a path to success or when they get out. They’re set up with work, they’re set up with VA care whatever they need.”

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