Re-Entry Program participants achieve OSHA training
Twenty-three Re-Entry Program participants at the Rutherford County Adult Detention Center received a 10-hour OSHA training provided by the Tennessee College of Applied Technology and earned Department of Labor-issued cards proving they are trained in work-place safety.
The Re-Entry program, a subsection of the Rutherford County Recovery Courts, partners with organizations such as TCAT to provide in-demand vocational training for justice-involved individuals at Rutherford County’s Adult Detention and Correctional Work Center.
Sgt. Brian Layhew, Assistant Facility Coordinator at RCADC, was present with the participants for the training.
“They were able to learn how to identify existing and potential hazards in the workplace and how to take prompt corrective measures to eliminate and/or mitigate said hazards,” Layhew said.
The participants will take the knowledge and skills they learned from his class with them once they enter the workforce again, Layhew said.
Case Manager David Figueroa surveyed the participants about the class. The consensus was the participants said they thought the class would be boring but the instructor kept the class interesting and fun.
Jail Administrator Kevin Henderson said the Re-Entry Program prepares participants for release.
“The Re-Entry staff teaches realistic classes that will help inmates become more qualified to enter the work force with job skills and other information,” Henderson said. “We appreciate their partnership with the adult detention center staff and inmates.”
This is one of many opportunities the Re-Entry program regularly offers to the residents at the county detention centers to reduce recidivism.
Re Entry Program Coordinator/Project Director Lindsey Davis said their mission is to provide comprehensive services to all those impacted by incarceration to improve overall quality of life, while improving public safety, and reducing recidivism. Through accountability, encouragement, preparation, and empowerment, individuals will gain tools to achieve long term stability.
Equipping clients with in-demand vocational skills before they are released gives them a competitive edge in the workplace. The soft skills they acquire help them to create and maintain healthy personal and professional relationships.
“Altogether, they return to our community with changed thinking and hope for a life as productive and whole citizens,” Figueroa said. “Anyone who is an employer of justice-impacted individuals is encouraged to reach out to our team to learn how we can partner together to provide more opportunities like this.”
For inquiries about the Rutherford County Re-Entry Program, contact Lindsey Davis, Re-Entry Program Coordinator/Project Director at 615-203-1021 or at [email protected].
This project is funded under an agreement with the State of Tennessee, Office of Criminal Justice Programs, Evidence-Based Programming Grant.
