INDIANAPOLIS -- It's not an easy road to get out of jail, get a job and be able to pay bills, fees and live happily ever after.
Fortunately, Marion County Community Corrections has received a grant to assist ex-offenders in making a smoother transition when they hit some bumps on that road.
The goal of the program is to keep former inmates out of jail. To do that, there is $50,000-worth of emergency money available in a two-year program.
Tara Burkhart, 35, is serving a half-year sentence for theft. Her ankle bracelet makes it clear she's on home detention. Her photographs of her 4-year-old son, Kellan, let you know she has a reason not to go back to jail.
But the only way she can see him is through supervised visitation at a place called Mending Fences. Those visitations cost $35 an hour. The emergency fund helps pay for that.
"This money has helped with the visitation of her kid," said Community Corrections Supervision Manager Janel Rimmel. "I really think she has every means to succeed, and now it's up to her if she is going to do it."
Burkhart says she's grateful for the change to see her son.
"I tell Janel and express my gratitude," Burkhart said. "She has no idea how grateful I am for her helping me in the visitation with my son. He is the most important thing to me in the world."
Burkhart says she's been drug-free since March 10, and hopes to continue overcoming the challenges before her.
