Notes from Oshkosh Correctional Institution Lecture

Overview

• The Oshkosh Correctional Institution offers inmates the opportunity to participate in a service dog training program.
• The program aims to aid rehabilitation by teaching responsibility and providing a sense of purpose.

Program Details

• Inmates train dogs in collaboration with the nonprofit organization "Journey Together."
• The trained dogs are provided to Wisconsin residents with PTSD at no cost.
• Inmates take full responsibility for feeding, grooming, and training the dogs.

Impact on Inmates

• For many inmates, it's their first experience of being responsible for another living being.
• Inmates express a sense of redemption and personal growth from participating in the program.

Personal Stories

• Example of Jeff, a 37-year-old inmate serving for violent crimes, who finds hope and a sense of humanity through training dogs.
• Jeff has spent more time in solitary confinement than in free society.
• Through the program, Jeff is learning to love and care for others, which gives him a reason to live.

Program Outcomes

• Over the past two years, inmates have successfully trained seven dogs.
• Graduated dogs are placed with their "forever owners," who can bring them back for additional training if desired.

Benefits of the Program

• Provides vocational certificates to inmates, potentially aiding in future employment opportunities.
• Fosters a sense of accomplishment and purpose among inmates.
• Positively impacts inmates' mental health and personal development.

Community Involvement

• Program is funded by community donations for supplies and veterinary care.
• Offers no cost to taxpayers.

Conclusion

• The program demonstrates a successful model for inmate rehabilitation by combining responsibility and empathy development.
• It highlights the transformative power of giving back to the community, even from behind bars.