A new program in Lexington will offer a second chance for some inmates before they are released from the Fayette County detention center.
On Tuesday, Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton announced the creation of the Second Chance Academy. The program will focus on job training and placement.
“We want to put inmates on the path to success and get them off the path that often results in people getting out of jail, only to return a few months later,” Mayor Gorton said.
Nonviolent offenders who choose to go through the Academy will spend six weeks before their release learning skills to help them find employment.
Amy Glasscock, Lexington Director of Business Engagement believes the program will unlock a pool of untapped talent and create higher retention rates in the workplace and lower recidivism rates.
“Individuals coming out of incarceration, they need employment just like you and I do.” Glasscock said, “They need to support themselves, their families, pursue their dreams and have a sense of fulfillment.”
The Second Chance Academy begins July first and will serve about 200 inmates over the next two years. The city dedicated $150,000 in American Rescue Plan funds to pay for the program.
