We have completed our “Back to Work: Professional Writing
Workshop.” The workshop was a six week program for twenty-four inmates to
improve their writing skills for resumes and cover letters. Our project
started in August at the Federal Correctional Institution in Morgantown, WV in
efforts to reduce the re-incarceration rates of released inmates.
Dr. Reibold, a retired economics teacher, graciously took
the twenty-four students under his wing and made a difference in their lives.
Many of the students appreciated his determination for them to succeed and to
make a better life for themselves. “This is why I teach. I teach to push
students to their full potential, especially when they need it the most,” said
Dr. Reibold.
All twenty-four students have successfully completed the six
week workshop and will receive a certificate in honor of their participation
and improvements from day one. Along with the completion of the course they are
now able to create effective, professional resumes and cover letters. They have learned how to research companies,
positions, and how to dress professionally for interviews and job fairs.
In addition to the workshop, they were able to attend a job
fair hosted by several local businesses in the Morgantown area. Of the
twenty-four students, sixteen were offered jobs upon release from prison. “After
learning the right way to write a resume and learning what a cover letter was,
I felt more confident going into the job fair and talking to employers,” stated
a student. Majority of the students had the same thought.
As a part of the class and maintaining their employment, we
will follow up with each student in one year. This will allow us to see how
effective the workshop is for inmates and where we can make improvements. It
can also show us how effective the program is at keeping them out of a crime
ridden lifestyle, which plays a huge part in recidivism. We can’t wait to hear
all the success stories!
We would like to thank the Federal Correctional Institution
in Morgantown for allowing us to carry out our workshop in their facility. They
have been extremely accommodating with the classroom, inmates, and Dr. Reibold.
Due to the success of the workshop, they have offered to keep it a permanent program
to offer to more inmates.
We would also like to
acknowledge the Human Fund for the $5,000 grant used for the new laptops,
textbooks, and printer. Another thanks for the local businesses that have
provided positions of employment for the inmates. And a special thanks goes out
to Dr. Reibold for volunteering all his time to the program and making it a
success.
Most importantly, we
want to thank all of you for your support, donations, and volunteering. If you
have any questions, thoughts, or concerns, we would love to hear from you! Stay
posted for more information on projects, fundraising, and ways for you to
volunteer!
