(GREENCASTLE) – The notion of being released from prison with a job waiting for you on the outside is a great feeling for any incarcerated individual. Thanks to a program meant to connect offenders with jobs when they are released, Justin Ball has employment-ready when he is released from Putnamville Correctional Facility (PCF).
Offenders at IDOC facilities can volunteer to participate in the Hoosier Initiative for Re-entry, or HIRE, program, which is geared toward successful reintegration back into society. HIRE staff help match a participant’s skill set with those of potential employers. By staying current on available opportunities and connecting the employer with a job candidate who is anxious to start a new chapter in their life.
At the age of 13, Ball began developing a substance abuse addiction which ultimately resulted him in being sentenced to IDOC later in life. However, in 2016 Ball completed what was then a substance abuse treatment program at PCF called CLIFF, which stands for Clean Living Is Freedom Forever.
“During my time in CLIFF, I started to really think about the changes I wanted in life and what kind of parent I wanted to be for my child and person I wanted to be for myself. I came back to prison a few times for violations, but this time I wanted to really make the changes and utilize the tools I have been given and make the changes I need to make. I now have a welding certificate that I can utilize as well as knowledge, and drive to live sober,” Ball said.
In the center of the HIRE program, you will find Brady Moss, Re- Entry Coordinator at Putnamville Correctional Facility, and Hoosier Initiative for Re-Entry (HIRE) Coordinator Breanna Trimble, working together to assist each offender with their successful reintegration. They invest a lot of time and energy on each offender that shows initiative.
“Ms. Trimble really works hard finding employers that need the different skill sets each offender has. I have seen success story after success story from the HIRE program participants who are serious and take advantage of the resources we offer,” Moss said.
Putnamville Deputy Warden Timmy Phegley said, “We have thrown a lot of challenges Ms. Trimble’s and Mr. Moss way and each time they both surpass our expectations.”
