It is an ongoing problem for inmates being released from prison. As soon as they leave prison life behind, they find themselves in a difficult job market, often with a limited skill set, and with a resumé with a noticeable hole in the timeline. Add to that a criminal record, and the cards are definitely stacked against these individuals finding meaningful employment.
A new program being offered to Virginia inmates through the Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia is seeking to improve the odds for at least some of these inmates. At the Dillwyn Correctional Center, a medium-security prison for men in central Virginia, 13 inmates are learning the fundamentals of entrepreneurship.
Kirk Smith, an inmate preparing for release in the coming months, is learning skills to advance his dream – a custom painting business.
“I’m still scared,” says Smith about his business’ launch. “At times, I was pulling my hair out. But now I have more confidence. Now I believe I can start this business. I know I would have failed miserably without this class.”
The program was expanded to the Fluvanna Correctional Center for Women in 2012, and there are hopes to expand the program further in coming years.
“I believe people can change,” says Professor Gregory Fairchild, who leads the program. “I believe educational institutions can make a big difference. This is a world-class university and a world-class business school, and developing leaders to improve society is our stock-in-trade. We usually get the most prepared, the most advantaged students. I believe we can use our skills to teach the least prepared and the least advantaged. I believe this is possible.”
Prison Fellowship also believes that people can change. Through our various reentry programs, Prison Fellowship staff and volunteers prepare inmates to return to society, providing them with in-prison training, as well as providing a much-needed support system of “bridge churches” and mentors to assist these men and women as they re-acclimate to a world outside the prison walls. Plus, in addition to meeting the physical needs of those returning, Prison Fellowship offers something progams like the Darden School of Business program cannot – an introduction to the God who can transform the soul.
To learn how you can help meet the physical and spiritual needs of inmates, and prepare them for a life after prison, visit https://www.prisonfellowship.org/get-involved/.
