After our August 4 Transform Westside Summit, we met with another success story from the U.S. Attorney’s English Avenue Drug Market Intervention (DMI) Program.

Tamecca Beasley was a drug user and repeat drug offender with little hope of redemption until she was greeted with the opportunity for a second chance through the DMI program. Hear her tell her inspiring story in her own words in this week’s Q&A.

• How did you become involved with the English Avenue Drug Intervention Program?

I was caught up in drugs, selling drugs, using drugs. And I was approached with the Second Chance Program. I took the opportunity and that’s how I became involved in the Drug Intervention Program.”

• How did you benefit from being involved in the DMI program? 

… I didn’t think there was a way out. So for me to be able to come out and still have a happy life, a successful life. I think that’s real important, and I’m glad about it.”

• What is your hope for the Westside? 

My hope for the Westside is that they get the help that they need as far as the people, the places, the buildings, the land, everything. That they just get the help that they need so that they can become a better community, because its not the people, its just the situation.”

Interested in hearing more stories like Tamecca’s? Join the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Office of Governor Nathan Deal, in partnership with the Rialto Center for the Arts at Georgia State University, for the premiere of its reentry documentary, “Released.”

The screening will be held on Wednesday, August 23, 2017, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon, at the Rialto Center for the Arts, located at 80 Forsyth Street NW, Atlanta, GA 30303, on the corner of Forsyth and Luckie Streets.

The screening will be followed by remarks from Governor Deal and a 30-minute discussion with some of the individuals featured in the documentary. This event is free and open to the public. Doors open at 9:30 a.m.

About the Film: “Released” is a 45-minute documentary that was conceptualized in 2013 to address the experiences of individuals formerly involved in the criminal justice system. Often, these individuals have participated in job development programs intended to prepare and connect them with employment opportunities. However, opportunities for meaningful and sustainable employment are frequently scarce. The film challenges viewers to reflect on how returning citizens are viewed. It confronts how people released from prison continue to pay for the mistakes of their past while still holding out hope for the future.

To watch the trailer, please visit www.releasedthemovie.com.