L.I.F.E. Program Brings Direction to Men at Chillicothe Correctional Institution
Beginning at the first of the year, the L.I.F.E. Program (Living in a Faith Environment) became a reality at the Chillicothe Correctional Institution (CCI) and there is no turning back now!
The program has not only brought about new direction for those participating but it has also brought a cohesiveness to the dorm. Respectfulness has skyrocketed and many residents couldn’t be happier to be living in an environment where there is more of a purpose than a place to lay their head.
The L.I.F.E. program was designed to help participants examine the issues that brought them to prison while focusing on successfully re-entering society by evaluating their relationship with themselves, others and God. Most offenders agree that giving back is a way of healing and, to help do just that, the L.I.F.E. participants clip coupons for the Freedom Hall Recovery Center out of Piketon, Ohio. This community service project is led by Case Manager, Ms. Belford and Officer E. Hickman.
A core purpose of L.I.F.E. is the dedication towards learning how to respect others. The men are required to keep a regular institutional job on top of the mandatory classes the program requires. Each participant signs a confidentiality agreement, attends mandatory core classes and is expected to participate in some non-core classes too such as Spanish and Public Speaking. Classes start bright and early at 7:30am and run on and off until 7:00 pm.
Authors: Nicole Frederick and Sgt. Doug Mougey of CCI
