Kendall County Inmates Graduate From Job Readiness Program

KENDALL COUNTY, IL — Two years ago, the Kendall County Sheriff's Office partnered with Augie Ghilarducci's 2nd Opportunity to help prisoners reenter society after their release. This month, six more inmates graduated from the program.

The six men who graduated June 9 comprise the program's fourth graduating class, the sheriff's office announced Wednesday. For 10 weeks, people attend courses once a week, where they were introduced to supportive services and learned to create goals and specific plans for employment, and develop financial literacy, communication and interview skills "to help create a path forward upon release."

Aside from each class, the six graduates also completed outside work.

Officials at the sheriff's office said they're proud of the men's dedication and determination in finishing the program.

"I am proud of the continued partnership with 2nd Opportunity which focuses on educating our inmates and preparing them for a more seamless reintegration into the workforce following their release from incarceration," Sheriff Dwight Baird said in a statement. "This is a very effective program that helps to support our continued efforts to reduce recidivism."