Print This Article			Print All Articles			Email the Editor

Project TRADE to Provide Skills Training at Illinois Correctional Center

HBI and Project TRADE were sought out by SCC Warden Michael Rothwell. While working in Idaho’s Corrections Department, Rothwell learned of the institute’s national reputation as a provider of job training and placement services for court-involved youths (Project CRAFT) and adults, and he inquired about bringing the program to the SCC shortly after taking over its management.

Three HBI instructors will teach carpentry, facilities maintenance and electrical wiring at the center, supervised by a project coordinator. Hands-on training projects will consist of campus-based activities to improve the facility as well as a myriad of community-based projects with local organizations and municipalities. Already in the wings is a joint effort by HBI with Lutheran Social Services and Habitat for Humanity to build home components at the correctional center that can be shipped to Habitat sites across the state.

“HBI’s reputation helped bring this program to Illinois,” said Mark Harrison, executive officer of the Home Builders Association of Illinois. “The ink is hardly dry, and already there is a plan to not only train new workers for the industry, but do so while helping others become home owners by working with Habitat. It’s a win-win all around.”

Serving as a pilot “therapeutic community” for non-violent adults, the newly reopened SCC is providing intensive substance abuse treatment, educational remediation and vocational training.

For more information on Project TRADE/Sheridan, e-mail John Hattery at HBI, or call him at 800-795-7955, x8916.

go to top