Tabula Rasa has successful Second Annual Family Fun Run

Tabula Rasa's Second Annual Family Fun Run participants stepped off in Wicker Park on Saturday with their eye on providing more successful services to and ultimately having a transitional living center for juveniles released from Illinois prisons.

They are off!

Early volunteers wait for registrees

Chelsea Armstrong (c) watches her daughter admire a friend's ring before the run

"We began delivering services in January to twenty young people, seventeen to twenty-one year olds, released  from Illinois prisons. To date we have a 95% success record," Chelsea Armstrong, founder of Tabula Rasa, explained proudly.  "The one person that went back to jail is being released the end of the month and we will be there for him."

Hydrating and conversations were part of the pre-run scene

Pre-run conversation appears intense

Tabula Rasa, which in Latin means "clean slate," was created to aid in turning seventeen to twenty-one year old ex-offenders into contributing members of society, free from incarceration.The organization's approach is to offer education, weekly relapse prevention sessions, one-on-one mentoring, individual and group counseling and life skills classes as well as housing referrals.This holistic approach to rehabilitation includes cultural field trips and community service commitment.

The seventeen person Tabula Rasa board and their volunteers and mentors are working hard to change the recidivism rate of juveniles imprisoned in Illinois. Currently 73% of the juveniles released from prison in Illinois return behind bars in three years. Clearly, Tabula Rasa's efforts to date are flying in the face of the state wide stats, showing that rehab can be successful.

To be a part of this volunteer organization call 773.331.3135 or email.

For more information: 1st Annual Tabula Rasa Run