Founded in 1971 to provide educational programs for individuals in Bucks County’s probation and parole system, Vita Education Services has grown into the leading provider of educational services at the Bucks County Correctional Facility and Community Corrections Center. Vita’s Corrections-Based Education programs reduce recidivism, increase post-release employment opportunities, and improve the personal development and confidence of participants.
Decisions Programs
Vita has been teaching its Decisions programs to individuals in Bucks County’s correctional system for over fifty years. Using the 5-point STAR process (Stop, Think, Ask, Reason), Decisions uses cognitive behavioral skills to teach techniques that empower participants to make good decisions and take charge of their lives and their futures.
Decisions For Living ® (DFL) is offered to men and women at the Bucks County Correctional Facilities. DFL is taught in small groups by Vita Education staff or individually by trained volunteer tutors. The course focuses on challenges faced daily in jail and upon reentry into the community.
Decisions For Change ® (DFC) is offered to individuals under the jurisdiction of the Bucks County Adult Probation and Parole Department. DFC is taught to small groups by Vita staff and focuses on the everyday decisions probationers and parolees face in the community.
Decisions for Teens ® (DFT) is offered to youth in the Bucks County Youth Center. DFT is taught to youth in both the Center’s Secure Care Center and Community Based Residential Service Unit by Vita staff. The program focuses on situations that may arise in the lives of young adults, including academics, social interactions, money, and family.
All of Vita’s trademarked Decisions Programs are available for purchase. Email ghuber@vitaeducaiton.org to learn more about how you can be a part of bringing these programs to your organization or community.
Jobs Readiness
Vita’s Jobs Readiness program provides men and women in Bucks County’s Correctional Facilities, including those enrolled in the H.O.P.E. (Helping Ourselves Prosper Eternally) and H.E.A.R.T. (Healing, Empowering And Recovering Together) recovering programs, with the skills necessary to find employment upon release. Vita staff teach participants job search techniques and volunteers provide resumes and offer mock interviews.
Job Fair Preparation
Vita’s Job Fair Preparation readies incarcerated men and women to be successful when attending Behind the Walls Job Fairs, helping them to secure work upon release. Vita staff teach interview skills and attend Job Fairs with participants, and volunteers craft mini-resumes for participants to hand out to employers.
Parent Book Club
Vita’s Parent Book Club offers families the opportunity to stay connected while apart. Books specially chosen by parents based on their children’s ages and interest are sent to their children, along with a personal note that fosters communication and continued bonds.
Vita also offers weekly GED Preparation and English Language Learning classes to men and women in the county’s correctional facilities.