Thanks to a collaborative effort between West AlabamaWorks!, the Alabama Department of Commerce-Workforce Development Division, and Ingram State Technical College, female inmates at Alliceville Federal Prison have more hope for a productive life upon being released after a $6.5 million “Pathways to Hope” grant was awarded to the prison.
“This grant will train women at the Aliceville Federal prison, so they are more prepared for the workforce when they are released,” said Donny Jones, CWO of Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama and Executive Director of West AlabamaWorks!. “By giving them the training and education necessary to be successful we are reducing their chance at recidivism and allowing them to be a contributing member of society.
“Women in the prison will gain training and education for a successful reentry into the community and be successful in their future full-time jobs.”
Participants will, according to West AlabamaWorks!, train in career pathways that align with the labor market needs of West Alabama and the southeastern communities where inmates will reenter. Upon successful completion, participants will be given industry-recognized credentials tailored to their field of study.
The grant also includes provisions for a 15-passenger van and a car to facilitate the transportation of women in search of employment and also those who have already secured employment.
The “Pathways to Hope (Paths)” grant spans four years and was primarily created to support “justice-involved individuals” in their reentry into society by providing them with access to training, education, and employment opportunities upon release.
Austen Shipley is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News.
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