MILWAUKEE — I.G.N.I.T.E. is a new rehabilitation program that provides educational opportunities and workforce training to inmates serving time.
The program is funded by the National Sheriff’s Association in 17 states and 38 counties across the country.
Sheriff Denita Ball says acquiring the program took 3 years.
“The purpose is to provide an educational foundation as well as job skills for those in our care and in our custody,” says Ball. “We want them to have the job skills, the knowledge, the experience, to make better choices when they re-enter the community.”
The nationwide program affects 9.5 million people, and it makes it less likely for people released from jail to reoffend.
Research shows the program reduces three month recidivism by 24%.
