Inmates learn life skills in Butler County Prison’s new IGNITE Program
Dylan Hinchberger, 31, began using illicit substances at 11 years old.
He said for the longest time, he wasn’t able to admit to himself he had a problem. Then, he heard a witness testify at his preliminary hearing and he said it was his first time learning what had happened.
Counselors in the IGNITE Program at Butler County Prison helped Hinchberger realize substance use had become a pillar in his life. He was one of 11 graduates who completed the first round of the new program.
“All these counselors that were involved in selecting us for this program, they actually looked as us individually, our character and our desire to change,” Hinchberger said. “You guys gave me a chance, and I really appreciate that.”
Hinchberger said the cap and gown he wore for the first IGNITE graduation was the first he’d ever worn. He shed tears as he thanked his family for their support.
The IGNITE Program, which stands for Inmate Growth Naturally and Intentionally Through Education, attempts to reduce recidivism by teaching inmates skills and giving them an education that will give them additional avenues to take upon release instead of potentially breaking the law again.
Butler County Sheriff Mike Slupe learned of the program at last year’s National Sheriffs’ Association conference. Butler County officials visited the Fayette County Prison to see how they operate the program, then it was adopted at the Butler County Prison in June.
“To help reduce people coming into this jail again and again, this program, IGNITE, was set up so the inmates could take part in educational processes from community members willing to come in and teach,” Slupe said.
The program allowed inmates to take classes about credit and debt management, drugs and alcohol, parenting, coping skills and cooking. It also allowed for structured personal time for exercise, yoga and journaling while allowing for downtime.
Warden Beau Sneddon said he was with the inmates at the beginning of the program before he went on leave for two months, and he saw the difference in the inmates when he returned. He said he was never the warden to “hang out” with inmates before this program.
“On a personal level, I’m truly proud of you,” Sneddon said to the inmates during his remarks.
Jerry Bodish, who had been in the jail for 18 months, was one of multiple graduates to earn their general education degree in the program. He said Tuesday he was set to be released in two days.
Bodish started the program three months into his sentence. He said he didn’t have any interest in art when he arrived, but by the end, he had painted a mural on a wall inside the jail. He plans to apply to school to study art and tattooing.
George Rutherford, a forensic specialist at the Ellen O’Brien Gaiser Center, worked with inmates in the program on medication-assisted treatment for substance use disorder. He taught a drug and alcohol class and yoga at the jail.
He said at the end of the program, he saw inmates in the program practicing subjects discussed with the group on their own, picking up new habits, drinking more water, exercising and reading philosophy.
“Things that you wouldn’t expect out of men in prison,” Rutherford said.
He said some inmates could have earned college credits based on the education they received in jail.
“Seeing them realize they were getting something different and start using it right away and see the benefit in real time has been tremendous,” Rutherford said.
Sneddon initially intended for five to six weeks to pass before the jail welcomed the next IGNITE class, but he said after the ceremony, it will be sooner with the interest in the program. He said the jail has a backlog of inmates trying to earn a spot, which requires an interview process and 60 hours of individual training.
He said the IGNITE program is different from others the jail has tried because of the individuality and freedom it offers. He said he focuses on the individual, not statistics.
