Judge James E. Sheridan could be spending his Saturdays on personal activities. Instead he chooses to volunteer his time and talents to deliver a two-hour presentation to the "trainees" at the Special Alternative Incarceration Program (SAI).

Judge Sheridan believes that offenders who become involved in a "healthy marriage" are less likely to recidivate, and he has plenty of data to back it up. One of his goals is to teach offenders how to identify and choose healthy relationships, and how to define oneself as a "man" or "woman" by accepting adult responsibilities.

SAI will soon become an MPRI In-Reach facility, which combines boot camp discipline, evidence-based programming, and community transition teams to enhance the success rates of offenders who are re-entering the community. Adding the support of concerned professionals like Judge Sheridan greatly enhances an offender's opportunity for success, and reduces their likelihood of recidivism.

With the success of offender re-entry being such an important part of building safer neighborhoods and better citizens, the Michigan Department of Corrections and the citizens of Michigan are fortunate to have a great supporter in Judge James Sheridan.