The Monroe County Sheriff's Office, in partnership with Cleveland State Community College and supported by a state grant, is offering inmates culinary classes through its Evidence-Based Programming, culminating in a nationally recognized "Safe Serve" certificate. Sheriff Tommy Jones said, "I’m extremely proud of the effort our instructors, staff, and participants have put into making this program a success," as reported by the Monroe County Sheriff's Office.
Seventeen inmates have completed the 42-hour coursework across three classes, learning safe food preparation through both classroom and hands-on training. The program not only teaches culinary skills but also fosters accountability and self-sufficiency, aiding inmates' successful reintegration into the community, as stated by the Monroe County Sheriff's Office.
According to the Monroe County Sheriff's Office on their Facebook page, "The initiative is not only beneficial to those taking part in the program, but also for our community as a whole. It helps individuals learn accountability, teamwork, and self-sufficiency, while preparing them for future employment." The program is supported by Brandi Huggins, Program Manager; Darby Freichs, Transition Coordinator; Kezmond Pugh, Instructor; and Karl Buchberger, Grant Program Coordinator.
