The Daviess County Detention Center recently celebrated a milestone in local workforce and reentry development: the graduation of five inmates from the Reentry Success Program, including two women who earned their workforce readiness certificates alongside their peers. This program provides incarcerated individuals with industry-recognized skills and credentials to help them successfully reenter the workforce and the community after release.
“This program is designed to help you build new skills, gain confidence, and prepare for the next chapter in your life,” said Claude Bacon, President & CEO of the Greater Owensboro Economic Development Corporation (GOEDC), during the graduation ceremony. “It’s a chance to prove to yourself that you are more than your past mistakes, and that you have the ability to succeed in the world outside these walls.”
Graduates earned the Enhanced Operator I and Workforce Readiness Certificates through Owensboro Community & Technical College’s (OCTC) FlexTrain platform. Course topics include hand and power tools, lean operations, workplace safety, problem solving, and workplace principles — all aligned with local employer needs.
The ceremony also welcomed the next five inmates who have been accepted into the program. These individuals attended the event to hear directly from program partners and past participants, gaining insight into the opportunity ahead.
“You’ve already made it to this point, and this is your chance to show the world what you’re truly capable of,” Bacon told the audience. “The effort you put in now will pay off — not just for you, but for your family and the community that is waiting to welcome you back.”
The Reentry Success Program is a collaboration between GOEDC, OCTC, the Daviess County Detention Center, the City of Owensboro, the Daviess County Fiscal Court, and the Kentucky Department of Corrections Division of Reentry Services. It’s designed to close workforce gaps while helping individuals rebuild their lives through access to meaningful employment.
Community leaders offered their support at the ceremony, with remarks from Judge Executive Charlie Castlen, Mayor Tom Watson, Commissioner Sharon NeSmith, Dr. Ryan Hall (OCTC), Sarah McLaughlin and Mike Uptegraff (Kentucky Education & Labor Cabinet), and Daviess County Jailer Art Maglinger.
“This is not just about finding a job — it’s about reclaiming your life and your future,” Bacon emphasized. “Every step you take in this program is a step toward a fresh start. Remember that change takes time, but the dedication you show today will open doors tomorrow.”
More than 50 inmates have completed the program so far, with additional cohorts in progress. The initiative continues to serve as a powerful tool for second chances — transforming lives, families, and the regional workforce.
