South Bend Re-entry Center holds ceremony for 15 graduates looking to rebuild their lives through construction

SOUTH BEND, Ind. - The Indiana Department of Corrections South a bend Community Re-entry Center held a graduation ceremony Thursday afternoon, giving a second chance to 15 inmates hoping to enter the construction work force after their sentences are up.

It was an emotional day at the Civic Theatre, as the graduates were surrounded by friends, family, and mentors as they received not only their OSHA 30 certifications, but a second chance to rebuild their lives.

"We don't know why whatever happened, happened in the past. They turned wrong and made terrible choices. A lot of them were very young and they want to rebuild themselves and we give them a chance to start at ground zero with us," said Warden, Charles Bowen.

OSHA 30 is an entry level construction course, that will provide 15 men with the skills needed to fill much needed jobs as they re-enter society.

It was estimated the construction industry needed 500,000 new workers on top of its normal hiring pace to meet the demand for labor in 2024.

The program has seen more than 400 graduates over the years.

ABC57 spoke to two men joining them today, Sena Apawu and Mike Gonzales, both eager for a second chance on the other side when they are released.

" I have my OSHA 30 card that I just received from completing the course. It's helped me learn construction skills that will help me get a great job when I leave this place, so I can provide for myself,” said Apawu.

"We all make mistakes in life. A lot of us change and we change for the better. All I ask is we be given that chance,” said Gonzalez.

Anyone hiring is being asked to reach out to the directors of the program, to help these men find jobs to get back on their feet.