Pat Fraker Pat Fraker holds up a diploma earned by a prison inmate who successfully completed a Criminon life skills course. Fraker heads up Criminon of Maine, which provides correspondence courses and mentoring, designed to rehabilitate prisoners through education. (Photo Sue Mello)

The United States Justice Department reports that in 2006, there were 7.2 million people on probation, in jail or prison, or on parole in the U.S -- 3.2 percent of all U.S. adult residents or one in every 31 adults. Maine has the lowest number of state prison inmates per capita in the nation, and the lowest incarceration rate, about three times lower than the national average.

However, according to statistics compiled by the Muskie School of Public Service, the prison population in Maine has increased by 45 percent over the last 10 years. More alarmingly, the average in-house population of adult inmates in Maine's county jails has increased over 80 percent over the same time period. Most of this latter increase is not due to rising crime rates, but to large increases in incarcerated pre-trial offenders (those awaiting trial) and increases in the number of released prisoners who return to jail for probation violations.

The rising prison population translates to increased financial and social costs for all citizens. Although many of us may feel helpless in the face of these trends, Pat Fraker of Boothbay is involved in an organization dedicated to rehabilitating criminals and reducing recidivism. She is hoping that others in the region may be interested in joining with her in this work.

Fraker, a former teacher, retired here with her husband Robert in 1999 after spending summers in this region her entire life.

Shortly after settling in, she set up the non-profit organization, Criminon of Maine, an offshoot of the international organization of the same name.

Criminon provides life skills programs and correspondence courses to help prisoners reintegrate into society. Working through the courses under the direction of volunteer supervisors, prisoners learn self-respect, basic moral values, and life strategies. Internationally, Fraker says that Criminon boasts a 70 percent success rate in rehabilitating inmates.

That Criminon courses aren't like typical adult education courses is evidenced by the course titles, which include "The Way to Happiness," Learning Improvement Course," "How to Deal with Ups and Downs in Life," "Personal Integrity," "Understanding and Overcoming Addiction" and "Successful Parenting Skills." These courses provide basic strategies and concepts needed to get on successfully in life with oneself, family, and community.

For example, the key Criminon course "The Way to Happiness" offers common sense teachings, such as "keep your word once given," "fulfill your obligations," and "be industrious."

Although these concepts may seem apparent to many of us, consider a life lived without these basic understandings.

Fraker and her husband are currently providing supervision and support for about 40 inmates. Supervisors, as Fraker calls course instructors, review each individual's lessons and offer clarifications, and also communicate regularly with their students through letter writing. Fraker explains that a key feature of Criminon's program is that every inmate who perseveres eventually achieves success.

For many, this success is a unique and empowering experience. "We have students who have not had good experiences in school. For some of them, this is the first time they have had winning experiences taking courses," said Fraker.

Fraker's files are filled with success stories and program endorsements from other supervisors. She not only finds fulfillment in helping others find a better path but has also formed long-lasting relationships with reformed prisoners.

Fraker says that her experience with Criminon has changed her perspective about people in prison. "I thought prison was where bad people went. I've discovered that there are a lot of good people in prison who have done bad things. Basically, they are good people and can contribute to society," she said.

She is quick to note that the Criminon program doesn't just benefit the individual inmates but everyone in society. "The purpose is to help these guys regain their self-respect, " she said, "So our environment is safer. So when they get out, they're not going to steal or worse." Not only does Criminon rehabilitate prisoners, but, many of Criminon's "graduates" become mentors to other prisoners. "It's the help we give. One of the main things, the changing point for someone who takes these courses, is they start to help other people," she said.

In addition to working directly with inmates, the Frakers provide administrative and logistical support to 31 other Criminon supervisors working throughout New England. All correspondence comes to Criminon's Boothbay post office box, and then the Frakers sort and send it to its appropriate destination. Supervisors work with as many individuals as they choose and usually follow an individual's progress throughout his or her involvement in the program.

Right now, Fraker says that about 250 inmates are taking courses through Criminon of Maine.

Fraker is hoping that others in the area might be interested in becoming involved with Criminon's work.

More supervisors are needed, and she points out that this could be an ideal opportunity for other retired teachers who miss teaching. "This is part of my joy," she says, "I'm back to teaching." Criminon also needs help with administrative work, grant writing, and fund-raising. Any interested volunteer could set their own schedule and give as much or as little time as they wish.

"I really want to get across my enthusiasm for this program," say Fraker. To learn more or to volunteer for Criminon, contact Fraker at 633-0321 or visit Criminon's Web site, criminalrehabilitation.org.