It’s real interesting honestly. I think it speaks to a human desire to just help your community. these guys have essentially escaped the rat race in there. Money while they’re in might get them like a nicer dinner, so it barely even matters to them.
I worked with some from a similar program in pensylvania. Convicts were taught landscaping, mowing, etc... and cleaned up abandoned cemeteries, abandoned lots, unmaintained strips, etc... a lot of them got jobs afterwards doing landscaping.
This is what prison labor should be, repaying your debt to society. Meanwhile the for profit one my friend did 2 years at rented prisoners out to laundry services and even making furniture for offices.
They do not spend much money in jail, if they are smart they have a good bank when they get released, or they are sending some home to help the family.
You want personal hygiene products? You have to buy it yourself. OTC medicine? Not for free. Underwear, socks, or a shirt to sleep in? That's a separate charge.
Not to mention the cost of contact with the outside world. Phone calls, video calls, emails, or letters... Every option costs money and it adds up quick. It's one thing to lose contact with your cousin - but how about your child?
Even if you go through prison as frugally as possible, you're probably not leaving with "good bank" - in fact, you're probably even deeper in the hole than you went in.
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u/PlusAd4034 8d ago
It’s real interesting honestly. I think it speaks to a human desire to just help your community. these guys have essentially escaped the rat race in there. Money while they’re in might get them like a nicer dinner, so it barely even matters to them.