Construction Track- Program Description

The Constructing Our Future (COF) Construction Track program combines extensive training in life skills with many hours spent on education and practice in building trades and residential maintenance in prison.  Participants upon release are trained in home rehabilitation by working with partnering contractors.  Participants will through sweat equity will gain highly marketable job skills and a path toward home ownership.  

PREREQUISITES FOR PROGRAM

Qualified COF participants must demonstrate:

1.     A willingness to complete vocational training programs and the required groups and classes designed to improve character and life skills;

2.     The ability to be a productive member of a dynamic team that includes other participants, volunteers and training staff;

3.     An enthusiastic commitment to our mission to rehabilitate abandoned homes and properties; and

4.     The faithfulness and discipline to show up on time, every time; the humility to be respectful and accountable to one another; and the commitment to always act with integrity and honor.

Additionally, participants must:

5.     Have earned a high school diploma or GED;

6.     Have at least two years remaining executed time; and

7.     Continue to maintain good conduct in and out of the classroom.

PHASE ONE

  • Life Skills Training available in prison
  • Program acceptance

PHASE TWO

  • Pursue Vocational Training (Building Trades or other similar program) available in prison
  • Pursue U.S. Department of Labor Apprentice Certification in building trades or other similar program

PHASE THREE

Once the participants are released, they are eligible to reside at the program’s “Home Base,” where they will establish a case plan through PACE Indy, connect with and strengthen their support system, and gain outside employment, all while continuing to put in hours renovating homes.  Connect participants to carpentry and related building trades employment and training.  The ultimate goal is that the participant will eventually own a home, renovated with their learned skills and hard labor. 

IWP Indiana Statehouse Presentation – Constructing Our Future

We take pride in being responsive, making a difference at a critical point in peoples’ lives. We envisage continuing doing so for the ‘long haul’ – supporting re-integration for our members and their families.