Sheriff Lewis Evangelidis, the first Republican Sheriff in almost 50 years from Worcester County, Massachusetts, has created waves throughout the country with his innovative inmate work program. This program looks to take “low risk offenders” from the prisons and offer them the opportunity to take part in helping their local communities in various forms, partnering with local businesses while teaching inmates life skills that leaves them with feelings of “accomplishment and dignity”, some, for the first time in their lives. The Sheriff comments that “this type of innovative programming” is needed throughout prisons across the United States, as “too many politicians want programs that make people dependent on them for power”. Saying, “the real power is when an individuals feels a sense of dignity, respect, and an accomplishment.” Not only has the programs helped with inmates mental health and equipping them with life skills, but has reduced recidivism rates by almost 50% and saved the community $8 million dollars.

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