Special to the News
Gov. Kay Ivey has awarded a $150,000 grant to help inmates regain their footing in society once they are released from prison.
The grant to J.F. Ingram State Technical College in Deatsville will help inmates overcome employment barriers by providing them with the training and skills they need to obtain employment upon their release.
“Released prisoners who have served their sentences deserve the opportunity to successfully transition back into society, and that starts with having the necessary training for employment,” Ivey said. “This training and guidance through J.F. Ingram will help link former inmates with employers who are seeking skilled workers.”
According to J.F. Ingram, 94% of the state’s prison population will eventually be released and will need employment to meet parole requirements and to support themselves and their families.
J.F. Ingram serves inmates at 17 correctional facilities and 12 Pardons and Paroles locations throughout the state, providing instructional and hands-on training and experience to help them obtain certification and pass required licensing exams.
Founded in 1965, J.F. Ingram provides training for inmates in many high-demand labor fields including welding, automotive repair, plumbing and HVAC, carpentry, and more.
The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs is administering the grant from funds made available by the U.S. Department of Justice.
“ADECA is pleased to join Gov. Ivey in support of this program and the inmates who are determined to successfully transition back into society,” ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said.
Gov. Ivey notified Annette Funderburk, president of J.F. Ingram State Technical College, that the grant had been approved.
ADECA administers a wide range of programs that support law enforcement, victim programs, economic development, water resource management, energy conservation, and recreation.
