“Beyond the Wall” Film Comes to Easton October 17

Beyond the Wall, a powerful documentary about the challenges people face leaving incarceration without the guidance and support needed for successful transition, will be screened at Temple B’nai Israel in Easton, October 17. The screening is hosted by Mid Shore Community Mediation Center.

The film highlights the cost of an American policy disaster– while over 700,000 people are released from prisons each year, 68% of people are back in prison within three years. And 65% percent of people leaving incarceration have a history of substance abuse.

Through personal stories of re-entry, relapse, recovery and redemption, Beyond the Wall puts a human face on the social, economic and emotional barriers encountered by returning citizens, their families and their communities. The film offers insights and hope for ways re-entering society can become more successful.

Mid Shore Community Mediation Center is hosting the community film screening to bring attention to the tragedy of re-incarceration and highlight solutions including access to mediation.  The Center is committed to making community mediation more available for people recovering from substance abuse or rejoining our community after incarceration and is scaling up no cost re-entry and recovery mediation services across Caroline, Dorchester, and Talbot counties.

According to Jenn Williams, Executive Director of Mid Shore Community Mediation Center “Research on the impact of people leaving incarceration shows that even 1 mediation session reduces the likelihood of re-incarceration by 10%. We are confident working with people in recovery will produce similar benefits. By creating a space for open and honest conversation, mediations help people repair relationships with family and friends, and make plans for a new and better future. “

The community event will include light refreshments, generously provided by Piazza Italian Market, and be followed by a panel discussion with individuals deeply involved in the recovery and re-entry processes.

Thanks to our generous sponsors, there is no charge for the evening.

Beyond the Walls will be screened at Temple B’nai Israel in Easton at 6pm on October 17, International Conflict Resolution Day.

Mid Shore Community Mediation Center offers the only no cost mediation services in Caroline, Dorchester, and Talbot counties. Mediation is a voluntary, confidential, and non-judgmental process.  For more information, to donate or volunteer call (410)820-5553.