SANTEE (NEWS 8) – Inmates at Las Colinas Detention and Re-Entry Facility in Santee are getting their hands dirty as part of the Fresh Start Farms program – which helps women learn valuable job skills before they are released.
The purpose of the garden, which is set up in a greenhouse at the re-entry facility, is more than teaching woman to have a green thumb. It’s about teaching them the job skills they’ll need when they are released.
One of the women who tends the garden is Robin Schwab. “At my age, I was a little skeptical, but I never anticipated to learn as much as I have learned. I am very grateful.”
For 24-year-old Joselyn Reeves, working the garden is like having a real job. “We have a set schedule every day. It's like having a real job.”
Who is eligible?
Inmates who are in custody for non-violent crimes with six months or less left in their sentence and after 500 hours of service, they earn a certificate.
The classes are taught by Grossmont Cuyamaca Adult School teachers, who also teach at the men’s East Mesa Detention and Re-Entry Facility.
Supervisors of the program believe it lowers the chance to re-commit crimes. “We know that we are making a connection in the community – making that connection to get the jobs,” said Jessica Barawed, San Diego County Sheriff’s Department Correctional Counselor.
“The motto is don't count your days, make the days count. It makes you feel like you did something to keep this place as beautiful as it's meant to be,” said Schwab.
The goal for the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department is to expand the Fresh Start Farms program outside of the detention facilities and sell in neighborhood farmer’s markets.
All of the money generated from the farmer’s market goes to fund the re-entry program.