Brenda Lyons smiled and shed tears simultaneously as she watched her daughter graduate from a program aimed at helping men and women behind bars earn skills to break out what can by a continuous cycle of incarceration.
Shaonna Wadley, 38, was one of seven people at the Charles B. Webster Detention Center who were the first graduates of the IN2WORK program. The first program participants worked with the staff in hands-on training and spent their free time studying to earn certificates in foods services. The certificates were handed out Thursday, May 19.
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At the end of the program each of the graduates passed examines to earn the IN2WORK certificate and a second certificate from the National Restaurant Association.
“These examinations were not easy, I know,” said Bunistie Shockley, food service director for the program.
Wadley told her mother about the program several weeks ago, Lyons said.
“She’s been wanting to do this. She wants to start her own restaurant,” Lyons added.
Wadley didn’t have any prior experience in food services, but her mother vouched for her cooking skills.
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“She’s a great cook. She can take a little of something and make a great meal,” Lyons said.
Each of Thursday’s graduates will be eligible to apply for 28 job openings with Aramark, said Trace Ludewig, program manager. They will also be eligible for $2,500 scholarships over a four-year period to continue any type of job training they want to further their prospects for employment he said.
According to the program information guide, recidivism rates for participants has been reduced by as much as 30 percent.
“The IN2WORK program is an opportunity to help build marketable job skills through food service and retail training and experience, as well as self-esteem that can carry people into productive lives after their experience here,” Sheriff Richard Roundtree said by a news announcement of Thursday’s graduation.
Sandy Hodson is a staff reporter covering courts for The Augusta Press. Reach her at sandy@theaugustapress.com.Â
