New Citizen Program | Hamilton Center
Source: https://www.hamiltoncenter.org/programs/new-citizen
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:11
New Citizen Program | Hamilton Center
Proudly Serving Indiana Since 1971
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(800) 742-0787
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New Citizen Program
Hamilton Center is proud to lead the way with a program that gives individuals a second chance. The program is designed to guide those who have been incarcerated into a new way of life. The participants complete a one year probationary period where they train in four different areas to gain skills and experience. Throughout the program the “New Citizen” meets with a team of mentors led by the President/CEO. The opportunity is life changing for someone who has been involved in the criminal justice system and is willing to turn their life around. The program offers support from Hamilton Center staff and community leaders to bring confidence and motivation to someone who is willing to become a new citizen.
Apply
Print Form
Tatu Brown
As a star high school athlete Tatu received a college athletic scholarship after graduation. With family and friends involved in selling drugs Tatu fell victim to bad decisions and lack of guidance. He was arrested and sentenced to 188 months in prison. Today he serves as the Executive Director of Human Services at Hamilton Center, Inc. and chairs an annual back to school event, serving hundreds of children.
Melissa Hutchens
Introduced to drugs at an early age, Melissa dropped out of school and began selling them to support her own addiction. She was eventually arrested on federal charges and sentenced to 120 months in prison. Today, she is the Assistant Executive Coordinator at Hamilton Center, Inc. and volunteers for a wide range of community service projects.
Through the New Citizen program, Hamilton Center provides a second chance to individuals who have been incarcerated and/or convicted of a felony. In cooperation with the Department of Corrections, Community Corrections, County Jails, the Federal Bureau of Prisons and halfway houses, this program offers the opportunity to acquire job skills, employment, and a new way of life.
The “New Citizen” meets weekly with a team of mentors led by the program chair, program graduates, other participants, and those who have a key role in the project during which time they report on their activities, concerns, etc. and receive feedback from the committee.
Core Elements of the program include:
Improve job skills and explore opportunities for job placement
Develop a career not just a job
Establish positive referrals/character references
Improve community perception
Develop positive relationships with community leaders
Increase sense of self-worth and purpose
The opportunity is life changing for someone who has been involved in the criminal justice system and is willing to turn their life around. The program offers support from Hamilton Center staff and community leaders to bring confidence and motivation to someone who is willing to become a new citizen.
N
ew Citizen Committee meets regularly with participants to discuss their current professional and personal environment. Since establishing the program, President/CEO, Melvin Burks has remained very involved in addressing issues and providing direction and encouragement.
The program allows two individuals to participate per year. One male and one female are chosen from a set of interviews conducted by the President/CEO and the leadership team. The elements of the program include:
Daily interactions with mentors and other positive role models
Weekly meetings covering current position, family, and transition from incarceration
One year probationary period working in 4 different departments for 3 months each
Participation in community events and fundraisers
The New Citizen Program is about supporting those who have made bad decisions that could negatively affect the rest of their lives. Hamilton Center has made it possible for these individuals to have a second chance. It is an extraordinary opportunity to start a new life, and travel down a supported path to success.
New Citizen Program Flyer
Address and Contact
620 Eighth Avenue
Terre Haute, IN 47804
(800) 742-0787
Programs & Education
Mental Health Screenings
Screenings are a quick way to determine if you or someone you care about may need to reach out to a doctor or mental health professional for evaluation.
Take Screening
Corporate Office
620 Eighth Avenue
Terre Haute, IN 47804
(800) 742-0787
COUNTY LOCATIONS
Bloomfield
Brazil
Clinton
Greencastle
Indianapolis
Linton
Plainfield
Rockville
Spencer
Sullivan
Terre Haute
Price Transparency
© Hamilton Center 2016
Proudly Serving Indiana Since 1971
Need Immediate Assistance?
Call
(800) 742-0787
Home
Our Mission
Our Mission
Privacy Notice
Interpretation Services
History
Programs & Services
Addictions Services
Adult Intensive Services
Care Management & Skills Training
Child & Adolescent Services
Crisis Diversion Center
Healthy Families
Employment Services
Mental Health First Aid
Military Veteran Program
New Citizen Program
Primary Care Services
Wraparound
Youth Mental Health First Aid
WIN Recovery
Primary Care Services
Careers
Contact Us
Locations
Bloomfield
Brazil
Clinton
Greencastle
Indianapolis
Linton
Plainfield
Rockville
Spencer
Sullivan
Terre Haute
Patient Portal
Community Training
Donate
More
News
Facebook Live
Education
Sheriff Shootout Golf Outing
New Citizen Program
Hamilton Center is proud to lead the way with a program that gives individuals a second chance. The program is designed to guide those who have been incarcerated into a new way of life. The participants complete a one year probationary period where they train in four different areas to gain skills and experience. Throughout the program the “New Citizen” meets with a team of mentors led by the President/CEO. The opportunity is life changing for someone who has been involved in the criminal justice system and is willing to turn their life around. The program offers support from Hamilton Center staff and community leaders to bring confidence and motivation to someone who is willing to become a new citizen.
Apply
Print Form
Tatu Brown
As a star high school athlete Tatu received a college athletic scholarship after graduation. With family and friends involved in selling drugs Tatu fell victim to bad decisions and lack of guidance. He was arrested and sentenced to 188 months in prison. Today he serves as the Executive Director of Human Services at Hamilton Center, Inc. and chairs an annual back to school event, serving hundreds of children.
Melissa Hutchens
Introduced to drugs at an early age, Melissa dropped out of school and began selling them to support her own addiction. She was eventually arrested on federal charges and sentenced to 120 months in prison. Today, she is the Assistant Executive Coordinator at Hamilton Center, Inc. and volunteers for a wide range of community service projects.
Through the New Citizen program, Hamilton Center provides a second chance to individuals who have been incarcerated and/or convicted of a felony. In cooperation with the Department of Corrections, Community Corrections, County Jails, the Federal Bureau of Prisons and halfway houses, this program offers the opportunity to acquire job skills, employment, and a new way of life.
The “New Citizen” meets weekly with a team of mentors led by the program chair, program graduates, other participants, and those who have a key role in the project during which time they report on their activities, concerns, etc. and receive feedback from the committee.
Core Elements of the program include:
Improve job skills and explore opportunities for job placement
Develop a career not just a job
Establish positive referrals/character references
Improve community perception
Develop positive relationships with community leaders
Increase sense of self-worth and purpose
The opportunity is life changing for someone who has been involved in the criminal justice system and is willing to turn their life around. The program offers support from Hamilton Center staff and community leaders to bring confidence and motivation to someone who is willing to become a new citizen.
N
ew Citizen Committee meets regularly with participants to discuss their current professional and personal environment. Since establishing the program, President/CEO, Melvin Burks has remained very involved in addressing issues and providing direction and encouragement.
The program allows two individuals to participate per year. One male and one female are chosen from a set of interviews conducted by the President/CEO and the leadership team. The elements of the program include:
Daily interactions with mentors and other positive role models
Weekly meetings covering current position, family, and transition from incarceration
One year probationary period working in 4 different departments for 3 months each
Participation in community events and fundraisers
The New Citizen Program is about supporting those who have made bad decisions that could negatively affect the rest of their lives. Hamilton Center has made it possible for these individuals to have a second chance. It is an extraordinary opportunity to start a new life, and travel down a supported path to success.
New Citizen Program Flyer
Address and Contact
620 Eighth Avenue
Terre Haute, IN 47804
(800) 742-0787
Programs & Education
Mental Health Screenings
Screenings are a quick way to determine if you or someone you care about may need to reach out to a doctor or mental health professional for evaluation.
Take Screening
Corporate Office
620 Eighth Avenue
Terre Haute, IN 47804
(800) 742-0787
COUNTY LOCATIONS
Bloomfield
Brazil
Clinton
Greencastle
Indianapolis
Linton
Plainfield
Rockville
Spencer
Sullivan
Terre Haute
Price Transparency
© Hamilton Center 2016