RCDC SCORE Work Release Program Brings Jobs to Employers, Skills to Participants

Over a year ago, we began our work release program at the Rowan County Detention Center, allowing qualified inmates to work at local businesses. We have had over 40 inmates involved in the program, and we’re incredibly grateful for the positive feedback from businesses and the lasting impact we anticipate it will have on participants’ lives post-release. The work release program gives these individuals the means to build a better life, with a paying job, work experience, and the influence of community-minded folks who also benefit from the expanded workforce.

Interested employers interview potential employees in the jail. Then the jail opens bank accounts for those employed and provided daily transportation to and from their respective workplaces. If someone owes child support, a portion of their paycheck would automatically go toward paying that back. For an inmate to be eligible for the program, they can’t be a violent felony offender and they can’t have committed a sex crime. The program is budget friendly with much of the cost going toward the gas needed to transport program participants to and from their workplaces.

Since we began the SCORE program, we have had 43 participants to date of publishing (Feb. 2023). We have had 26 complete the program or who have been released from custody. Out of those 26, 11 are still working full-time jobs for their employers. As of this date we have 17 that are currently working out in the community. Through the program, over $10,000 has been collected towards child support, and almost $2,300 in medical fees owed to the jail. To date, participants that have come through the program have been able to make upwards of $83,000. With these funds they have been able to retain somewhere to live and buy transportation for work.

One individual who completed the program and went on to work full-time at their employer commented, "Had I not had this opportunity, I'm not sure where I'd be now, but I can say for sure that I wouldn't be looking at a positive, sober, productive future. I am so grateful that I was given this opportunity and was shown that I am worth it, I can do it, and I deserve it. I have learned the value of being an asset to my community and have gained an amazing support system also."

Another said, "The program helped to integrate me back into society and gave me a purpose; it gave me hope and a sense of self-worth and confidence. I look forward to work each day, being able to help others gives me a sense of accomplishment. Now I look forward to all the possibilities my future holds."

Jailer Wes Coldiron is proud of the lasting impact the SCORE work release program has made. "I will say with this program, I have seen great things. I really believe we are changing lives for the best for these young men and women. It's definitely a positive to go out into the community and be greeted with a smile, a handshake, and a big thank you from someone that you helped change their life. I am proud of the program and my staff for making a difference."