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Inmates learn job skills while providing housing Jack McLaughlin
Four men are participating in a pilot program called Building Opportunity, aimed at providing job and life skills training that will help those reentering the community after a stay in jail. The 16-week program involves both classroom training at the detention center for the four as well as a workday with hammer in hand at the construction site on Warren Street in Aberdeen. During a brief ceremony June 17 at the house, still under construction Harford Habitat Executive Director Joann Blewett noted the organization’s work is “about reaching out in faith.” She said Harford County Sheriff Jesse Bane was receptive to a proposal to have inmates take part in a Habitat build. Sheriff Bane noted the goal of the program is to help decrease recidivism and, by helping offenders change their lifestyles, reduce the crime rate as well as the need to expand the detention center. The current addition to the county lock up is the last there is room for, said Bane, adding he hopes he will not be Sheriff when a new site must be selected. “That is going to be a loser “ he commented after noting “nobody wants a jail in their back yard.” Inmates taking part in the program commit to 100 hours of on-site volunteer service to Harford Habitat Humanity, 32 classrooms hours on construction basics and 32 hours of acceptance and commitment therapy through the Office of Drug overseen by William Kelly, a prevention specialist with the Harford County Office of Drug Control Policy. Offenders with a criminal history of violence, sex offenses, escape or attempted escape, felony theft or pending charges weren't eligible for the program. Those taking part had to have minimum sentences of four months and been recommend for work release by the courts.
The inmate workers also will have input in the future of the program. Before the completion of the program and their release from custody they will be asked if they would recommend Building Opportunity to others and what improvements they might suggest.
Cover photo caption: Sheriff Jesse Bane Photo above: Harford County Detention Center inmates are helping build this Harford Habitat for Humanity home in Aberdeen.
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Harford Habitat for Humanity has had many partners in building 40 homes since 1993 for low-income families, including groups from churches, banks, and businesses. This spring a new group has joined the effort, low risk offenders from the Harford County Detention Center. 