The Common Ground Institute (CGI) is a 10-week instructional program
divided into two 5-week modules. Each section is designed to enhance
and fortify employment skills that will aid our population in making
a successful transition back into society post incarceration. The
Suffolk County Sheriff's Department (SCSD) is taking a pro-active
approach to reducing recidivism, in part, by placing an emphasis
on vocational education.
STRIVE
During the first half of each cycle class participants spend their
mornings in STRIVE, a jobs readiness program whose goal is to prepare
individuals to become mentally and emotionally work ready. STRIVE
emphasizes development of the soft skills that are necessary to
obtain and retain employment. Students learn how to speak appropriately
for work, how to follow instructions, how to accept criticism and
how to function in a team oriented environment. STRIVE stresses
accountability, positive self-representation and begins the process
of thinking about job advancement and long-term careers.
Academics
CGI students spend their afternoons, during the first cycle, in
a classroom situation where they are taught carpentry, custodial
maintenance, painting and landscaping. Additionally, class participants
will become OSHA certified during the academic module by completing
a 10-hour course for general industrial safety & health standards.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is a Federal
agency in the Department of Labor that publishes and enforces safety
and health regulations for most businesses and industries in the
United States.
Community Works Program
During the second 5 weeks of each cycle class participants utilize
their classroom instruction in a very practical way. Working through
our Community Works Program (CWP) CGI students apply their knowledge
in carpentry, custodial maintenance, 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 Cabral has created 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:
Steve
Tompkins
Chief of External Affairs
Nashua Street Jail
200 Nashua Street
Boston, MA 02114
(617) 961-6650
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