Low-level offenders get a sense of pride through jail's job-skills program

MILPITAS, Calif. (KTVU) - A unique program at the Elmwood Jail in Milpitas is giving incarcerated individuals purpose. Deputies are offering inmates meaningful job skills, so when they're released they have a better chance of earning a living and being self-sufficient.

Among their projects include making wooden toys for Toys for Tots and San Jose’s “Christmas in the Park,” repairing sheriff and county vehicles in the “Elmwood” body shop, and welding gym equipment used by inmates.

Rocci Garrett is behind bars for manufacturing false IDs. He’s using his computer skills to make custom plaques for Gilroy Police.

“It’s kind of interesting to come here and use the same ability to do something positive,” said Garrett.

They’re all part of a work program, run by the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office, where inmates learn various trades. The goal is to encourage change in these offenders, who were arrested for low-level crimes, and to teach them the value of work.

“We are helping out the community and we are kind of helping out ourselves also,” said Inmate Michael Vargas.

“That is the idea,” said Willie Chan of the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office. “We don't want them to come back. Once they learn a trade, go outside and get a job."

Chan oversees the program, going strong for 15 years. He’s seen inmates firsthand get jobs after they're released, some as carpenters. He said one man even opened up in his own laser engraving business.

Right now, they're working on a $60,000 project to redo the upholstery for the San Francisco Superior County Court.

Evelyn Hernandez is in the embroidery program, where she makes patches for the deputies’ uniforms.

“It made me feel really good because I see the officers walking around with the shirts I made for them. I feel proud of what I did,” said Inmate Evelyn Hernandez.

She got teary-eyed, grateful for the opportunity.

“I’ve been coming to jail my whole life,” said Hernandez. It’s time to do something different.”

The money made from these projects goes back to the county's general fund. The inmates don't get paid but the payback for them is giving back to society and giving them something to be proud of.

“I’m going to be out there doing something positive this time instead of negative,” said Vargas. “Seeing we not only do for ourselves but other departments here at the facility and outside, it kind of makes me think if I can do it here I can do it on the streets.”