Cumberland County prison celebrated its inaugural graduation of six inmates from an Aramark In2Work program that will help to reduce recidivism.
Prison Warden, Travis Shenk, said upon completion, the In2Work program sets inmates up for success in a job within the food industry once they’re released.
The voluntary program spans across about an eight-week time period, including hands on learning in the kitchen, textbook work, and a final exam.
“They were actually studying down on the block which just shows how committed they were to the program,” Shenk said.
According to Shenk, the inmates who complete the program get a five year certificate from Serve Safe.
He said they can take that certificate to get a job in the food industry.
Inmate, Denny Ranck said the program has been so important to him as he looks to hopefully get out of prison this April.
He graduated the program with an above average score. He said the program teaches an array of skills in the kitchen.
“Taught us about preparation of food, temperature of serving food, how to hold foods. That kind of stuff,” Ranck said.
Shenk said Aramark has someone within their company dedicated to helping inmates who completed the program find a within their business.
He said programs like In2Work build a framework for success once released from prison.
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