Flint, Michigan -
On Monday December 2nd, Genesee County Jail’s IGNITE program held its 2024 graduation ceremony. Headlined by keynote speaker Dan Kildee.
IGNITE stands for “Inmate Growth Naturally and Intentionally Through Education”. This program was started in Genesee County four years ago and has since gone on to operate in over 10 states, have held 30 graduations, and is being touted by the National Sheriff’s Association as a huge success.
That all sounds great on a spreadsheet, and looks good in an ad, but this is something worth sharing, worth being proud of. Getting to see the pride in the eyes of a Father as he spoke about his Son. Hearing how proud he was of his son that instead of giving in, he was taking this time to better himself. Hold himself to a standard.
Seeing the mother’s holding their sons for the first time in months, with real hope in their eyes was inspiring. Not only does the IGNITE program prepare you to re integrate into society, but they stay in contact to ensure you have the needed tools to work. Things like licenses, paperwork, uniforms, etc.
Congressman Dan Kildee was the keynote speaker. He spoke briefly to the room at large and quickly focused his attention on the graduates. “You are not your biggest mistake, but you did make it. Own it. Own your future. THAT’S power.
No one is perfect, but this is what reform looks like, THIS is serving a community and reducing recidivism.
-Rob
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