Leaders hear about new work release program

Shown in the photo above is a group of leaders as they hear about the new Residential Work Release program that will be held at the O’Donnell Center at Victory Noll. Leslie Rentschler, left, executive director of Huntington County Community Corrections explained the program and how it works along with taking questions from those in attendance. Rentschler said she wants to hear ideas and suggestions from industry on how the program can better serve them.

The Huntington County Chamber of Commerce convened a meeting with Huntington County Commissioners, Tom Wall and Rob Miller; Huntington County Community Corrections, executive director, Leslie Rentschler and her staff; Superior Court Judge Jennifer Newton along with community leaders and local businesses on Thursday, December 8. The meeting was held at the O’Donnell Center at Victory Noll, 1900 W. Park Drive.

The topic of the conversation was the new Residential Work Release program as an alternative to incarceration. Individuals appointed to the O’Donnell Center from the courts will be allowed to work during their incarceration. Medical appointments and treatment will be provided on campus by Parkview Behavioral Health Institute.

“Our goal is to help individuals get their lives back on track as productive members of society again. We are looking for assistance from the local business community to help the offenders obtain employment in the community while they serve their court-appointed sentence,” said Rentschler.

Rentschler continued, “Companies that are looking to hire the individuals appointed to the center can be assured the individuals will have drug screens and criminal background checks completed before entering the facility. The individuals are required to attend classes, do chores that will include laundry, dishes, making their beds, bathing and more or they will return to jail. Offenders will also be subject to random drug tests.”

“The program is designed for non-violent offenders. Individuals that have sex-related or violent crimes against them are not eligible for the program,” said Judge Newton. Judge Newton continued, “Individuals living here are court-appointed and will serve their time here instead of jail. Those appointed are individuals that do not want to be in jail and prefer working. The individuals appointed could simply be people that made a mistake and are looking for a second chance. We want to offer them that chance, but we do have statutory requirements that must be met,” said Judge Newton.

“The individuals living here are able to work all three shifts, but we prefer they do not work more than 12 hours per day. They need rest because their body is healing, and they will have obligations they must meet for living in the facility. If there are other job-related issues that come up, all we ask is that the employer communicate that to us. We can probably work through it but we need to know where the offenders are at all times,” said Rentschler.

Commissioner Wall stated, “The facility will house only male felony and misdemeanor residents at this time, and they will live on campus during the duration of their sentence. We are still working through some issues since we do not have the first resident yet, but are getting closer.”

“We have hosted people to include the governor’s office, county commissioners and others from around the state to tour this facility and see how the program works. Everyone that has taken the tour seemed to be impressed with what Huntington County is doing,” said Commissioner Wall.

Rentschler closed by saying, “Community Corrections is looking forward to meeting with various employers who are willing to hire individuals under Community Corrections’ supervision, and who are working toward their goals of being productive community members.”

Those interested in speaking with Rentschler can reach her by email at leslie.rentschler@huntington.in.us or by phone at (260) 359-3640.