Through the Governor's Community Work Program, a correction officer supervises a crew of up to 10 minimum custody inmates on short term, manual labor projects for local governments and state agencies. Communities sign a contract with the prison and provide materials. There's no charge for the labor.
Inmates pick up litter, clear brush, paint buildings, whatever's needed.
The jobs provide a way for inmates to repay the community and to develop a work ethic. Dear Marion Correctional Institution, On behalf of the McDowell County Schools please allow us to express our gratitude for the work performed in our schools this summer. We have received many complimentary comments from principals and program directors about the work program. Once again, we at the McDowell County Department of Social Services are very grateful to your inmate crew members and guards for the exceptional work that was done for one of our programs. Our newly renovated child care center on State Street is beautiful.