Federal grant helps inmates find employment while in Tenn. jail

The program allows inmates to learn vocational skills and make money while incarcerated to reduce recidivism

By Preston Steger and Meredith Aldis
WRCB TV

GRUNDY COUNTY, Tenn. — The Correctional Adult Reentry Education, Employment and Recidivism Reduction Strategies program, or CAREERRS has been in Grundy County for about six years. It is designed to help non-violent offenders learn and use vocational skills like welding, electrical and carpentry while they are in jail. This is an effort to address the employment challenges they could face re-entering communities and the workforce.

The program has already had a lot of success, but Grundy County Sheriff Clint Shrum said the almost $600,000 headed to the small county is going to do wonders. It can help those incarcerated financially and mentally.

"I think most everybody deserves a second chance," Grundy County Sheriff Clint Shrum said.

Full story: Federal grant helps inmates find employment while in Grundy County Jail