Penitentiary Carpentry Class Helps Habitat for Humanity

By Cheryl Baker, Classification Counselor, Washington State Penitentiary

The carpentry class from Washington State Penitentiary breaks for a photo while working on a three-bedroom house for Habitat for Humanity.
The carpentry class at Washington State Penitentiary breaks for a

photo while working on a 3-bedroom house for Habitat for Humanity.

 

Habitat for Humanity-Blue Mountain Partners is getting a helping hand from members of the Walla Walla Community College carpentry class at Washington State Penitentiary’s minimum-security unit.

The class visits a work site once a week to help with the construction of a 3-bedroom house in Walla Walla. They started the building project on Sept. 24.

"They’re doing a really good job,” said Habitat for Humanity Construction Supervisor Gary Henderson. “It’s a win/win situation for us and for them.”

Walla Wall Community College instructor Travis Watts teaches the offenders about the construction industry in the carpentry class. His students are appreciative of the chance to learn about the field.

“The program is awesome,” said Offender Jeremiah Frick. “Helping with the construction of the house is like a real-world application of the construction industry. We have fun working and interacting with actual people from the community.”

Vocational Education programs have many benefits for offenders and the community. Research shows that offenders who participate in education programs have lower rates of re-arrest and re-incarceration than those who do not participate. Offenders who participate in these programs are also employed at a higher rate after release than non-participants.

Henderson said the project is ahead of schedule thanks to the hard work of the offender class.

“It couldn’t be more ideal,” said Henderson.   

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