About Programming
Pawsitive Direction
Bringing dogs from the local human society or county animal shelter and bringing them to the prison to work with prisoners to train and then adopt back out into society. This program is an ongoing program in which a trainer would initially train the prisoners how to train the dogs on a weekly basis. After the prisoners have a handle on training and leadership less frequent visits may be made. Graduates will participate in a quarterly ceremony in which adoptees may attend. This program founded by Denise Rock and Nicole Arndt was established in 2016 and continues to be taught at Okeechobee Work Camp by L.A.R.C. Recently, the television show Pit Bulls and Parolees filmed a season with us at Okeechobee Work Camp.
Positive Leadership Initiative
Weekly scheduled classes at the institution using the guiding principles of John Maxwell's book Developing the Leaders Around You in which prisoners are instructed on how to lead in a positive manner. Instructors provided through Christ Fellowship. This program was last taught at Martin Correctional Institution but was discontinued due to transfers.
Understanding the Florida Legislator
Scheduled classes to discuss how an idea becomes a law, important legislative dates, explain U.S. representatives, State Senators, House Representatives and compare and contrast their roles. Review legislative committees and their functions including why an appropriations committee is so important. Assist prisoners with understanding what bills passed or did not pass. Help prisoners understand what the effective date on a bill means as well as the effect the last action date has on a bill. Compare and contrast a Senate Bill with a corresponding House Bill. This program was last taught at Walton CI in February, 2020 with wonderful reviews.
Restorative Justice community circle conferencing
Scheduled classes at the institution working with groups by community living quads to open dialog and proactively develop relationships and build community to avoid potential problems. More information can be found at https://www.iirp.edu/defining-restorative/5-2-circles Instruction provided by an individual who has completed 4 day restorative justice training in New York City. This is a new program.
CPR and Basic Health Care Class
2-day course offered once a month at the institution. This course is taught by a Registered Nurse and CPR instructor. This is a new program.
Together let's stand strong and be counted
Senator Brandes once said that criminal justice reform hasn’t happened in Florida because people haven’t presented it to be important to the legislator. Now is the time to act!