The Missouri Department of Corrections sees success in a new program that helps offenders get jobs and stay out of prison cells after release.
The “Connections to Success” program teaches inmates job-ready skills and training they need to get a job after their prison time is over. The DOC helped launched the pilot program this summer for those with 45 to 60 days before release.
It includes working on resumes, career assessments, mock interviews, and 60-hours of intensive life coaching to help them present and see themselves in their best light. It even provides parenting and child support lessons for those going back home to families.
So far, officials are calling the results impressive. 13 of the 15 men who started the class in July already have jobs. Course instructors say this is a win-win. It helps make at-risk communities safer, and lowers the chances that these offenders will violate parole or commit crimes again.
