Common Ground Institute (CGI)

cgiCommon Ground Institute (CGI)

The Common Ground Institute (CGI) is an instructional 12 week program, consisting of 7 weeks of classroom and hands on learning. During the first 7 weeks, participants learn basic carpentry, roofing, siding, painting and landscaping. Learning these skills will reduce recidivism by providing individuals with employable skills for their transition back into society post-incarceration.

During the instructional and academics cycle our students will earn their OSHA 30 certification, which is a 30 hour course for Industrial safety and health standards and will become CPR certified. Upon completion graduates will spend the remaining 5 weeks honing their skills in our Community Works Program (CWP).

Community Works Program

Working through our Community Works Program (CWP), CGI students apply their knowledge in carpentry, roofing, siding, painting and landscaping as a means of community restitution. To realize our aim of reducing recidivism the Sheriff’s Department has partnered with the Cities of Boston and Revere and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Our CWP crews work in conjunction with the Inspectional Services Department, the Department of Neighborhood Development, the Economic Development Industrial Corporation, the Department of Conservation and Recreation and the Massachusetts Highway Authority.

Sheriff Steven W. Tompkins implemented the Common Ground Institute with the intention of making our population more attractive to employers and increasing employment opportunities for individuals transitioning back into society. Through this program we address the recidivism issue, teach life and employment skills and help to make Suffolk County a safer place to live.

 

For more information, please contact:

Peter VanDelft
Director
Communications & External Affairs
Suffolk County Jail
200 Nashua Street
Boston, MA 02114
(617) 704-6682