A Message from the Wright County Sheriff’s Office:
Recidivism continues to be a major issue for the United States correctional system. Studies have shown that education and job training have significant impact on reducing repeat offenses. As a response to this correlation, Aramark implemented the IN2WORK program in partnership with the Wright County Sheriff’s Office to assist in reducing recidivism through education and certifications for post-incarceration employment paths. The program is provided at no-cost to taxpayers.
The IN2WORK program empowers individuals impacted by the justice system and instills a sense of accountability to students, so they are equipped with the skills to be successful in their communities. The Wright County Sheriff’s Office is proud the first IN2WORK class and graduation in Minnesota was at their facility, and Aramark looks forward to expanding the program into other counties, including within the seven-county metro area.
“The IN2WORK program is an opportunity to help build marketable job skills through food service and retail training and experience, as well as self-esteem that can carry people into productive lives after their experience here,” said Trace Ludewig, Regional IN2WORK Coordinator.
The purpose of IN2WORK is to teach students how to function in a workplace setting and work as a team, which leads to an increase in public safety and a decrease in future victimization. Students learn accountability and responsibility through disciplined classroom and hands-on training. By building competent and confident graduates, graduates are set up for success upon reentry to civilian life.
Students accepted into the program receive a certification from The National Restaurant Association upon completion. Once released, Aramark offers IN2WORK graduates and their dependents an opportunity to apply for a scholarship to continue their education. Graduates can also jumpstart their career through exclusive access to the company’s virtual job coach by texting a key word from any smart device unlocking employment opportunities with Aramark. Aramark will more than double the number of facilities this program is offered at by the end of 2021.
“We have continued to invest and drive innovation around IN2WORK because we have a genuine interest in helping former offenders’ transition back into society, and know the program works,” said Tim Barttrum, President of Aramark Correctional Services “By offering a full suite of solutions, our goal is to fulfill the need to educate, train, and encourage graduates to continue their development once they’ve been released. We consistently see results with those who implement the program including increased self-worth, esteem, and morale – factors that have been proven to promote a safer environment and more positive outcomes for our graduates.”
About Wright County Jail
This division is responsible for the incarceration of Wright County prisoners for up to one year, as licensed by the Minnesota Department of Corrections. The present Wright County Jail was built in 2009 and has a licensed capacity of 288 inmates.
About Aramark
Aramark (NYSE: ARMK) proudly serves the world’s leading educational institutions, Fortune 500 companies, world champion sports teams, prominent healthcare providers, iconic destinations and cultural attractions, and numerous municipalities in 19 countries around the world with food, facilities, and uniform services. Because our culture is rooted in service, our employees strive to do great things for each other, our partners, our communities, and our planet. Aramark has been named to DiversityInc’s “Top 50 Companies for Diversity” list, the Forbes list of “America’s Best Employers for Diversity,” the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s “Best Place to Work for LGBTQ Equality” and scored 100% on the Disability Equality Index.