Corrections Re-entry Programs promote self- sufficiency for individuals returning to the community after incarceration. Institutions served range from county jails, to medium security and maximum security institutions. The primary correctional program administered by Bay Area Workforce Development Board is the Department of Corrections Windows to Work Program. Additionally, the County Jail Projects is funded through Fast Forward and special grants.
Windows To Work Program
Windows to Work is a pre and post release program designed to address criminogenic needs that can lead to recidivism including employment, anti-social cognition/personality, anti-social companions, education and life experiences.
Currently three institutions are served; Taycheedah Correctional Institution (serving women), Kettle Moraine and Green Bay Correctional Institutions serving males. Service referrals are from the institution, DOC central office and self-referral.
Individuals must be currently incarcerated, releasing in no less than 90 days no more than 12 months and remaining on community supervision for at least one year. Participants receive five program components prior to release: Cognitive Intervention, General Work Skills and Expectations, Financial Literacy, Community Resources and Job Seeking Skills.
Post release services include accessing food shelter, clothing, transportation, work supplies, employment assistance coupled with mentoring and counseling with the coach. The Windows to Work Program has been providing service since 1998 to over 1200 individuals.
WI Lakeshore County Jail Training & Employment Initiative
This initiative is a multi-agency (Bay Area WDB; Lakeshore Technical College; and Great Lakes Training & Development Corp.) collaborative pilot program to test the success of delivering technical education within the Lakeshore Region Jail system (includes Manitowoc and Sheboygan County jails).
This short two-credit Industrial Welding Certificate gives inmates a technical education opportunity that allows them to secure meaningful employment in the high-demand manufacturing sector, earning family-sustaining wages, bettering local communities, and significantly reducing the likelihood of recidivism.