Page 14 - Florida Sentinel 8-27-21

Local
9 Inmates Complete Hair Braiding Course
Last March, Hillsbor- ough County Sheriff Chad Chronister launched the Hillsborough County Sher- iff’s Office Vocational Train- ing Center. The program is one of four programs being offered to inmates.
The goal of the HCSO Vo- cational Training Center is to teach inmates a skill that they can later use to find em- ployment.
Recently, nine inmates graduated from a newly launched hair braiding course offered at the Falken- burg Road Jail. The course is part of the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office Voca- tional Training Center.
During the six-week course, graduates were taught by a certified instruc- tor, learning how to style
hair, identify and prevent scalp disorders, and prop-
erly sanitize and sterilize hairstyling equipment.
The hair braiding course is fully funded by inmate canteen funds.
Sheriff Chronister
said, “These women have not only learned a valuable trade that can help them succeed once they're re- leased, but they've also gained a skill that many of the graduates say will help them better care for their families.
“Courses like this help re- store their self-confidence and willingness to start a better life outside of jail. I look forward to seeing this program continue to grow and expand.”
He further said, “Since stepping into my role as Sheriff, I've always said, we cannot arrest our way out of crime. One of my first prior- ities as Sheriff was to create a holistic approach to reduce the rate of recidivism in our community."
The programs provide in- mates with the opportunity to learn trades like welding and carpentry. They can also learn how to operate a fork- lift and how to perform basic automotive services.
The programs are de- signed to provide training that will give inmates a skill as well as to reduce recidi- vism. Those who complete the program they elect to at- tend receive a certificate in their chosen field. They'll also receive help on how to build a resume so that they can apply for jobs and inter- view with prospective em- ployers.
“Most importantly, they will have the skills necessary to gain employment, so they don't have to return to the life they once lived,” Sheriff Chronister said.
Classes are taught by cer- tified instructors through Hillsborough County Public Schools and Hillsborough technical colleges. HCSO case managers will facilitate classes on employability skills and money manage- ment. They'll also assist with job searches and registration on Employ Florida. Case managers will work closely with CareerSource Tampa Bay and the HCSO's Re- Entry Center to find employ- ers who can provide job opportunities.
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