TRENTON, NJ – In a groundbreaking initiative aimed at providing incarcerated individuals with a pathway to reintegration, the New Jersey Department of Corrections celebrated the graduation of its first class of five men who completed a barista training program in partnership with Starbucks.
The ceremony, held at the Garden State Youth Correctional Facility, recognized the participants’ successful completion of the nine-week program designed to equip them with valuable job skills for their return to the community.
Commissioner Victoria L. Kuhn expressed her pride in the Department’s commitment to offering reintegration services, both during and after incarceration, to help individuals succeed in society. The NJ Providing Access to Community Employment (NJPACE) program, under the Office of Community Engagement Initiatives (CERI), established the Barista Training Program as part of its efforts to provide meaningful reentry opportunities aligned with in-demand jobs that offer livable wages in collaboration with community providers.
Dr. Darcella Sessomes, Chief of the Division of Programs & Reintegration Services, commended the barista training program for offering a valuable opportunity for participants to acquire a marketable skill in the coffee house industry. In addition to learning how to create signature coffees, teas, and cold brews, the incarcerated individuals also gained essential customer service, teamwork, and transferable skills such as resume writing and mock job interviews, enhancing their employability upon rejoining society.
Eligibility for the barista program is open to incarcerated individuals who are within 36 months of release.
The Department of Corrections is actively working on expanding the program to other NJDOC facilities, with plans to accommodate an additional 30-40 incarcerated persons each year.
Cher McCall, Program Coordinator, emphasized the significance of reentry programs in preparing individuals for their transition back to society.
The barista training program offers not only real work experience but also complements existing initiatives that include job readiness coaching, classroom instruction, and occupation-specific training, providing a comprehensive approach to rehabilitation.
In their pursuit of creating positive experiences for individuals approaching release, the New Jersey Department of Corrections continues to support various vocational and job training programs, ranging from carpentry, welding, and culinary arts to cosmetology, aiming to equip individuals with the skills necessary to lead fulfilling and productive lives upon reintegration into the community.