chicagonow.com - 407 views
Program at Cook County Jail turns inmates into Master Gardeners. Successful program was expanded this year to include a greenhouse.
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Haven't been able to get this program out of my head since I visited it earlier this month and wanted to share it with you all and hope more people become aware of it outside the bars of the county jail.
I can see why. It looks like one of those unassailably excellent programs that is producing good stuff.
I particularly liked the tin man scarecrow. Someone has a sense of humor there. Great photos.
Will you be making a return trip? Have you heard from Rick Bayless?
Corrections to horticulture maps a path which allows inmates to become productive members of society.
My Cerberus Pyrotronics fire detection system contracting work with the Cook County Department of Corrections & the acquaintance of a friend who supervises recently released State Department of Corrections inmates introduced me to the urgency to reduce inmate recidivism by introducing convicts to such future career opportunities.
One a related note, the Chicago Christian Industrial League has also introduced its newly sober & former homeless clients to the landscaping profession which will help participants to earn their own living & become independent.
I think it will just get better as they move toward being self-sufficient and not relying on taxpayer money because they'll be able to find revenue streams that allows them to do so much more.
Haven't gotten a chance to go there again since I was there earlier in the month, but I plan to go back in the spring when they have more to photograph. No, didn't hear back from Rick Bayless, but he's pretty busy on Twitter answering all those questions about food and his restaurants.
The CCIL is a good program too. I've spotted them planting the planters around Downtown this year. I think there's a video somewhere of the work they do. I'll see if I can find it and post it to the same blog.
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