The following is a news release from the Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office.
AMMON – The I.G.N.I.T.E. Program at the Bonneville County Jail reached a milestone last night, graduating five inmates from The Solutions substance abuse program and five current and former inmates who earned their GED.
These latest graduates bring the total number of people receiving their GED during incarceration to 50, a milestone reached in less than 18 months since the implementation of the I.G.N.I.T.E. program and becoming a certified GED testing center.
Alongside the successes of the GED program, more than three dozen inmates have graduated The Solutions Program, a 12-week substance abuse and rehabilitation course with continuing resources and education to help graduates build a better future.
I.G.N.I.T.E., short for Inmate Growth Naturally and Intentionally Through Education, is a National Sheriffs’ Association initiative designed to stop the cycle of generational incarceration, break away from substance abuse and criminal behavior, and earn the skills and education to succeed in life. Some participating inmates are in the midst of serving their sentence while completing the program and some have earned their GED during short stays in the jail facility.
As Bonneville County Sheriff’s deputies routinely screen and find candidates for the I.G.N.I.T.E. program, they discovered most inmates have the desire to finish their education and earn a diploma or rehabilitate from substance abuse and have a better life, but have never taken steps to find the resources needed to finish.
With help from a number community partners and businesses donating resources, the I.G.N.I.T.E. Program is placed directly into the hands of inmates to take advantage of.
“The support systems built within The Solutions Program, the dedication of volunteer teachers, and strong encouragement of our deputies build relationships and confidence these individuals have never had before,” Bonneville County Sheriff Sam Hulse says. “With 50 GED graduates who grabbed this opportunity and the Solutions Graduates who believed in themselves, they earned something that will always belong to them and can never be taken away. I.G.N.I.T.E. helps people reenter the community better prepared to overcome their challenges and make responsible choices.”
A major part of I.G.N.I.T.E.’s success in reaching 50 GED graduates can be attributed to Ann Johnson. Johnson and her group of volunteer teachers dig into each candidate’s history to find out exactly what classes and credits inmates need and push them to success. Johnson’s energy and dedication is contagious among deputies and inmates, creating its own support system of growth and opportunity.
During last night’s I.G.N.I.T.E. graduation, we congratulated the following individuals:
The Solutions Program Graduates:
Krystle Angell
Lynzzi Thomas
Justine Evans
Zachary Hazleton
Abel Oliverez
GED Graduates:
Renea Allen
Auria Brown
Matthew Alicia
Franklin Crazythunder
Skyler Andra
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