Oklahoma Corrections’ Work Release Program empowers reentry through financial independence

The Oklahoma Department of Corrections announced promising new data from its Work Release Program today, underscoring its role in fostering financial independence and preparing individuals for successful reentry into society. By partnering with employers and offering vital rehabilitative services, ODOC’s Community Corrections division is helping participants achieve financial stability, support their families, and reduce recidivism, ultimately building better communities across Oklahoma.

One of the biggest obstacles to successful reentry is gainful employment. To address this challenge, ODOC partners with employers who are committed to offering second chances statewide. Over the past five years, ODOC has facilitated job placements for more than 3,000 individuals through these employer partnerships, providing crucial stability and support as they reenter society. Through his participation, Alvin Davis purchased a vehicle, secured housing, and had extra money to live on after his release from incarceration.

Based on data gathered from Sept. 1 to Oct. 25, the average work release savings for participants during this period was $3,674.56, with approximately 10% of participants holding more than $10,000 in savings. The largest individual savings account had over $33,000, showcasing the program’s transformative financial potential.

“This is only a glimpse of the broader success that Work Release has become,” said Jason Sparks, ODOC Chief of Operations. “Beyond securing employment and developing critical skills, many participants are able to save money and support their families financially, which helps relieve burdens and reestablish family bonds. Research consistently shows that individuals with access to education, job training, and employment are far less likely to re-offend, leading to safer, stronger communities across Oklahoma.”

The program’s impact extends even further when considering total discharge amounts. On average, work release participants were discharged with $5,805.89, and approximately 10% of individuals were discharged with over $16,000, giving them a substantial financial boost as they transitioned back into society. The highest recorded discharge amount was $50,419.36, a testament to the effectiveness of ODOC’s approach in supporting self-sufficiency.

The program reflects ODOC’s commitment to reducing recidivism by providing meaningful work experiences and financial training. It not only fosters personal growth but also supports long-term success as participants transition back into society with savings and valuable employment experience.

Community partners also recognize the impact. Jeff Grove, general manager of Collision Clinic in Oklahoma City, explained, “Over the years, we've hired many formerly incarcerated people and offered them a second chance. They took rough roads in the past, but they're now successful members of society.”

Brian Eddington, Action Group Staffing’s reintegration program manager, emphasized the cyclical nature of incarceration and the importance of breaking it. “So many of the individuals we help are not first-time incarcerated. It's the second, third time, fourth time. This kind of program offers hope, and hope changes everything,” said Eddington.

ODOC’s Community Corrections initiatives continue to powerfully impact both current and former inmates. Josh List, a former program participant, shared, “It gave me a sense of value. They gave me an opportunity when nobody else would. Having a company trust in me again means a lot because I have done so much on the wrong side.”

Another former inmate, Jona Montgomery, echoed this sentiment. “They allowed me to try to better myself, and I can say that all the skills that I learned there, if I didn't have those or the training I had from the program, I probably would still be trying to get a job. I like my freedom. I love my freedom, and there's no way I would want to go back to that place, but at the same time, I believe it's made me who I am today.”

ODOC Community Corrections continues to partner with employers statewide, helping to provide work release participants with the opportunity to earn wages and build critical financial skills. These partnerships empower individuals with resources that contribute to personal stability and community safety while transforming lives and positively affecting Oklahoma.

For more information on ODOC’s Work Release program or to become a partner, please visit oklahoma.gov/doc/chief-of-operations/work-release-opportunities.html.