Danville Adult Detention held the first Alpha Program graduation ceremony Monday, Oct. 27, at the Danville Police Department for four inmates.

William Loomis, Jonathan Saunders, Isaiah Scearce, and Derek Stephens completed the intensive program in partnership with Danville Pittsylvania Community Services (DPCS) and the Danville Police Department.

The Alpha Program was implemented by Director Gene Beasley and DPCS at the suggestion of the Honorable Judge James J. Reynolds, who saw firsthand the successes of Alpha in other communities.

Participants in the Alpha Program take part in outpatient services for substance abuse while incarcerated with a goal of regaining their lives. In addition to regaining purpose and clarity, graduates gain tools to use along life’s journey – but as was pointed out during the ceremony – it is up to the graduate to use those tools.

Graduates from the Alpha Program are the first from Adult Detention’s residential-based program.

The keynote address was delivered by Judge Reynolds. Additional remarks were made by Director Beasley and DPCS Lead Clinician Carrington Chambers. Loomis, Saunders, and Scearce also spoke about their experiences before the program and after completing it.

The Adult Detention Center is in the process of screening additional inmates for the start of the second Alpha Program soon.