On July 22, 2026 the Community Resource Center hosted a ceremony for recent graduates of the program. Staff wanted to celebrate graduates’ resilience, new beginnings, and second chances. They also hoped to inspire current CRC clients who were in attendance.
“It is a privilege for us to walk with you as you transition back to your lives,” said Moticia Fuller-Jones, Senior Treatment Coordinator. “Your accomplishments have shown that you have the courage to begin again, choosing growth over giving up. Your story is still being written, and every day begins with the decision to keep moving forward.”
The ceremony included speeches by representatives of the NJ State Parole, community advocates, and the graduates themselves. It concluded with a brunch for all attendees.
A graduate’s perspective
Mr. Jay Rutherford was released in 2023 at 50 years old. He obtained his State ID, his driver’s permit, and SNAP benefits while in the program. He also secured two jobs that helped him rebuild his life, and has since started his own non-profit to help parolees like himself obtain employment while combating homelessness.
“You have to create your own motion,” Mr. Rutherford advised. “You gotta believe, but you also have to work hard. You gotta grind, you gotta make it happen. Don’t wait on nobody to do nothing. Your decisions determine your destiny.”
“I’m so proud of my son for completing this program,” said Mrs. Rutherford, Jay’s mom. “I’m so proud of all of you working so hard to do better.”
Mrs. Rutherford talked about visiting her son every week while he was in prison. Mr. Rutherford said that his mother was his lifeline, and his guiding light. He worked to save enough money to take her to Jamaica for her first vacation as a way to thank her for the sacrifices she made for him while he was incarcerated.
Inspiring words from fellow graduates
“I want to thank the people who supported me,” Luther Yellock said. “CRC motivated me. No one wanted to hire me, so I tried this school thing with Cathedral Kitchen. Now I’m working for Firebird in Moorestown, and I’m trying to excel. If you want to grow you have to change your environment, change the people you’re dealing with.”
“Make it count,” Larry Holiday told the audience. “Don’t let anyone else try to tell you what your worth is. You are the starring cast. If I can start over at my old age with my broken down car, you can.”
Staff at CRC intend to continue this tradition, noting that current clients of the program were inspired seeing what it has done for people who were in similar situation.
Learn more about the Community Resource Center.
