All Done!

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!