Offenders prepare for life after prison

LIMA - His latest project is custom flooring with a Philadelphia Eagles logo made of vinyl-coated tile.

Allen Correctional Institution inmate Brandon Stuber took advantage of a vocational re-entry program on flooring and tile installation and he said he hopes to use it when he leaves prison. He and dozens of other offenders due for release in the next 18 months participated in the prison's Community Wellness, Re-entry and Job Fair on Tuesday, in which community organizations provided information about health and addiction help, education and apprenticeship programs, and life skills.

Offenders leaving prison always face challenges with family, housing and a job; many continue to battle addictions. Additionally, they're facing one of the toughest economies in decades.

"The way the job market is on the street, it's imperative for offenders to have a job skill and provide for themselves and their families," Stuber said.

This is ACI's 11th annual job fair and the third year of being combined with health and re-entry information.

The event helps offenders understand how the skills they've learned match up with what employers want, ACI Warden Jesse Williams said.

"The rehabilitative services and educational opportunities offenders receive here are things to offer to help them become a taxpayer and not a tax burden," Williams said.

Javar Lasenby leaves ACI in two weeks after serving more than three years in prison. He's been working on an associate degree and taking small-engine repair classes. He interviewed Tuesday with Tom Ahl Family of Dealerships and Irons Lawnmower Service.

He's heard the current job market is less than ideal.

"Yeah," he said about the economy. "We're studying that in economics class."