In sheriff's program, inmates using welding to build new futures

It started three months ago with eight men, eight St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement inmates. That was the minimum number to get the new program off the ground.
Then came graduation day.
On April 10, seven of the inmates graduated from a joint St. Mary Sheriff’s Office-South Louisiana Community College program that offered welding training and, maybe, a path forward that’s better than the path behind.
“They made mistakes," Sheriff Gary Driskell said. "We all do. We wanted to give them that chance.”
The payoff?
“It’s something I’m very proud of,” Driskell said. “These men seemed to be so proud.”
SoLAcc said that last year, it became the first higher education institution under the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools-Commission on Colleges to be fully accredited as a prison program provider.
“As we celebrate the achievements of these seven individuals, we recognize the life-changing impact of education and opportunity,” said Dr. Vincent June, SoLAcc chancellor, in a press release.
“This partnership between the St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office and SoLAcc demonstrates our shared commitment to empowering individuals with the skills they need to build a better future.”
SoLAcc identified the seven men who completed the school’s Technical Welding Program as Alejandro Nievas, Brian Delaune, Chris Charbonnel, Derrick Enke, Ian Morgan, Jonathan Myers and Kalab Wood.
When the partnership opportunity arose, Driskell said, he had to identify a training topic. Welding seemed like a good fit because employers had already been in contact, looking for welders in the traditional work release program.
“It’s a tough job,” Driskell said, “but you can make a good living.”
So the students began their studies at the community training facility in Baldwin, the product of an Economic Development grant two years ago. It has a welding shop with 12 booths “providing a space where students can develop practical skills that meet industry standards.”
The only expense to the Sheriff’s Office was to pay the deputy who took the inmates to class each day.
“To me, that little bit is well worth it,” Driskell said.
The men can go back to SoLAcc for an associate degree or more advanced technical certifications.
“Programs like this change lives, providing meaningful career opportunities for returning citizens and strengthening Louisiana’s workforce,” said Dr. Andre Perez, SoLAcc associate vice chancellor of external affairs and strategic initiatives.
Or they enter the work release program and land a job they can keep when their obligation to the state is finished. Sometimes they’ve saved thousands before moving back into the civilian world.
“Once they get out of jail,” Driskell said, “they’ll have a job and can live a normal life.”