Ex-con passes on lessons to youth

For a period of 7-8 years back in the mid 90's I was involved as a volunteer with Correction Services Canada & along with assisting with a Community Reintegration Training Program at the Halifax Parole Office I was a member of the local Citizens Advisory Committee. One of the many people I met during that time was Dave MacKenzie, he was not long out of prison, on parole and just starting on his road as in-reach / outreach counselor for other lifers. I instantly liked Dave & we've managed to touch base every once in a while over the years. He's done fabulous work with both the CSC Clients and his community crime prevention counseling has finally earned him the recognition he rightly deserves.

Congratulations Dave... Halifax is a better place for youe efforts.

clipped from thechronicleherald.ca Dave MacKenzie(JOEL JACOBSON) Dave MacKenzie will receive an unsung-hero award from Family SOS of Halifax. The Spryfield man has become a role model for people serving life sentences. (JOEL JACOBSON) DAVE MacKENZIE is up-front. He acknowledges he committed second-degree murder, was given a life sentence, served seven years in prison and was released on parole to a halfway house for another three years. Now, more than 13 years later, he’s helping other lifers, as they’re called, to reintegrate into society. He’s also trying to prevent young people from committing crimes they might regret forever. Dave MacKenzie, 50, is a brave man, honestly talking about his past. Dave will receive a Courage to Give Back Award from Family SOS, Dave will be honoured as an unsung hero at a dinner Jan. 24,