Janitorial Program Brings DuPage Inmates 'Great Sense Of Hope'

WHEATON, IL — Eight inmates have become the first to graduate a new janitorial work program at DuPage County Jail. Throughout the 6-week program, inmates learned how to use janitorial cleaning supplies and equipment, graduating with a custodial technician certificate and a game plan to find gainful employment once their sentence is up.

"This has raised our confidence and increased our self-esteem, all while developing a humble spirit and grateful attitude," graduate Charles Lawler said in a hand-written letter shared on the DuPage County Sheriff's Office Facebook page. Lawler's letter thanked and "applauded" the sheriff's office for arranging the program, on behalf of all the graduating inmates.

After their commencement ceremony, which included pizza and bright blue graduation caps and gowns, the inmates will work with the JUST DuPage program, workNet DuPage, and other organizations that help former inmates get hired.

"Our whole goal is to give these inmates a life outside of jail," DuPage County Sheriff James Mendrick said in a statement. He added, "We want to give them stability so they can take care of their families. That's what this is about."

Lawler's letter said, "In addition to all of this, we are given a great sense of hope and optimism that we all can achieve and when given the chance (as we have been) a productive and positive future is available and attainable."

Eight more inmates will be chosen for the next round of the program.