Circleville, OH – This year’s Ohio Penal Industries (OPI) all-staff retreat took an innovative approach to team building by combining it with a heartwarming community service project. Held at Deer Creek Lodge, OPI staff spent the morning constructing and marketing bicycles, initially believed to be for an “imaginary” child.
The surprise twist came when a group of local children, eagerly waiting outside, received the newly assembled bikes from the OPI staff. The joyful event brought smiles to the children’s faces and a sense of accomplishment to the staff members.
OPI provides workforce training opportunities for nearly 1,200 incarcerated adults throughout the state of Ohio. The OPI program seeks to reduce recidivism by enabling incarcerated adults to acquire real-life skills and experience that make them better prepared to maintain employment after their release. Each correctional institution has different shops equipped to produce several products and services.
OPI extends heartfelt thanks to its partners at the Ohio State Highway Patrol, Ohio Department of Transportation, and the Pickaway County Sheriff’s Office for making this event possible. A special thanks goes out to the OPI staff, who work tirelessly year-round to equip incarcerated adults with essential skills for successful reintegration into society.
