By Phil Dunn pdunn@sjnewsco.com
MANNINGTON TWP. – The Mid-Atlantic States Career and Education Center WorkPlus Graduation took place Tuesday, marking the program’s first graduating class.
WorkPlus represents a unique opportunity for inmates at the Salem County Correctional Facility. The program is an educational, training, and job placement initiative for low-income adults. Emphasis is placed on soft skills including interviewing practice and resume building.
“This is a historic day. I would like to congratulate the graduates,” said Freeholder Director Lee Ware. “This is a great partnership between our law enforcement community and the non-profit agency WorkPlus.”
Ware was overwhelmed by the potential of this program and the possibility of lowering the inmate population by reducing the recidivism rate.
“Being a teacher for 38 years, I know the importance of education,” said Ware. “In today’s society, it is very important to be educated and trained to know how to fill out an application and build a resume.”
A graduate of the program, Tyvon DuPree of Wilmington, Delaware, thanked organizers and teachers for their guidance throughout the program.
“This class has definitely inspired me to look at my life and start working toward something else I could do instead of committing crimes,” said DuPree. “It’s about learning the soft skills, the simple things that help you in the work world.”
DuPree said he continues to spread the word about the program while incarcerated. He also finds solace in writing gospel music.
“Instead of spending time watching TV and playing card games, I want to learn,” he said.
Another inmate, Tracy Johnson of Bridgeton, said what she took from the program was encouragement.
“The men and women who have trained us were nice and they were very polite,” said Johnson. “To me this program is about the knowledge gained and the encouragement. I feel like I could go out and go for it.”
Glen Donelson, executive director of the Mid-Atlantic States Career and Education Center, said sometimes a word of encouragement is all it takes to touch someone.
“We let them know we are there for them,” he said. “We will be an advocate for them.”
Donelson said with a 60-percent recidivism rate in Salem and Gloucester counties, these types of services are crucial.
Ware was moved by the statistics announced that seven out of 10 inmates return to the facility.
“I’ll be the first one to say that we have the best correctional facility in the state, but we want to make sure that you guys never see the inside of these four walls again,” said Ware.
Representing the Third Legislative District at the graduation were Assemblyman John Burzichelli and Assemblywoman Celeste Riley.
Burzichelli and Riley spoke passionately to the inmates, congratulating the first class of WorkPlus.
“Life sometimes takes its turns unexpectedly, and it’s not how you start, it’s how you finish,” said Burzichelli. “This program is designed to help you get back on your feet so as you finish here please take advantage of what you learned and go out with some confidence.”
Burzichelli told the inmates to call the Third Legislative District if they are in need.
“Call us if you need us,” said Burzichelli. “There are jobs out here. There are things to do. You won’t come out and be the CEO of Mannington Mills, but there are opportunities out there.”
He said with a little perseverance anything is possible.
“It was tough when you got here. It’s going to be even tougher when you get out of here,” said Burzichelli. “That is why taking in this knowledge is going to make you successful. It just take perseverance.”
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