This documentary was screened at the Turner Center for the Arts as part of the South Georgia Film Festival in March 2022.
THE REFORMATION PROJECT (Run Time: 50 minutes)
Screenings: Americus, GA - June 19, 2023 | Valdosta, GA - June 27, 2023 | Valdosta State University - Fall 2023
“The Reformation Project” will address social justice issues within the Criminal Justice system which disproportionately affects the minority community. This film will include the history and the hardship experienced by those incarcerated, their families, and their step back into society, and the effect of closing state psychiatric hospitals in Georgia, that led to the increased incarceration of people with mental illness. This documentary will also feature the thoughts and opinions of those in law enforcement, the courts, and corrections.
PRESS RELEASE
The film was produced by Steven Heddon and Angela Ward, of Fusion Creative Marketing and The Game Changers, respectively. The Reformation Project shines a light and seeks solutions on social justice issues within the Criminal Justice system, which historically has disproportionately impacted minority communities. This film will include the history and the hardship experienced by those incarcerated and their families, their steps back into society, and the effect of closing state psychiatric hospitals in Georgia, which led to the increased incarceration of people with mental illness. The documentary will feature the thoughts and opinions of law enforcement, the courts, corrections, and those previously incarcerated. The film will be followed by a panel discussion with Joe Brownlee of Georgia Power, Dr. Demetria Hill, Mental Health Counselor, Laval Castleberry, formerly incarcerated, and the producers, Steven Heddon and Angela Ward.
Check out The Reformation Project Facebook Page for more information and updates.
REFORMATION PROJECT RESOURCES:
Whether you are recently released from prison, welcoming a formerly imprisoned family member back home, or worried about the future for your children or issues such as victims’ assistance and human trafficking, resources are available to assist you with your concerns. Look over the following situations and suggestions for obtaining further information and help.
If you just got out of prison, you might be wondering where to get help with reentry. The National Incarceration Association’s
Home for Good: Overcoming Legal Barriers to Reentry in Georgia
provides information on first steps, housing, employment, voting, family issues, parole and probation, and more.
ONLINE RESOURCES
You can download and print the PDF by clicking the button below.
Request your birth certificate: ROVER (State of Georgia)
Reinstate your driver’s license: Department of Driver Services
Get a copy of your criminal history:
For local and state convictions: Contact the Agency that arrested you.
For Federal convictions: Contact the FBI by clicking the button below.
Find ways you might be able to clear your Georgia criminal record:
Find funding for education opportunities:
Apply for TANF or SNAP/Food Stamps:
Or find your local Department of Family and Children Services (DFCS) office:
Register to vote in Georgia:
Job search tips for those with criminal records:
The One Mind Campaign seeks to ensure successful interactions between law enforcement and individuals with mental health conditions.
Testimonials
“The Reformation Project looks at the subject of criminal justice fairly and unflinchingly while providing its audience a safe space for thoughtful reflection. It is an excellent vehicle for engaging citizens in a deeper discussion of the complex root causes of crime and how we might begin to reform and heal not only a broken criminal justice system but broken communities as well.”
Mayor Lee Kinnamon, Americus, GA
“A powerful collection of stories. Different voices with a common theme, we must change if we want safer communities.”
Police Chief Mark Scott, Americus, GA
"I am looking forward to the great work that will follow the release of the documentary today. The first step towards any type of corrective action is to first acknowledge what the problem is ,then we as a community can work together to find the solution."
Sheriff Eric D Bryant, Americus, GA
THE SOUTHSIDE PROJECT
Release Date: March 2022
The project focuses on the story of the South-side of Valdosta, once a flourishing black business community that consisted of grocery stores, dentist offices, retail stores, entertainment venues, and much more. Its demise came about as a result of racial disparities and lack of economic development opportunities. The video will shine a light on the history of the community and the struggles of the people living there.
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