In the Making: Prison Outreach Program
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In the Making“We know that giving women education reduces recidivism. We also know that women come to incarceration with so many needs… We as woodworkers can’t take on all those needs, but we can take on this one part of re-entry, through education and training.”
On Thursday, January 26, 2023 we had a deep and meaningful conversation with woodworkers and lead instructors Leah Woods and Lynn Szymanski of the Prison Outreach Program, which teaches residents at the New Hampshire Correctional Facility for Women the skills of furniture making.
They dive into all aspects of woodworking, from being an individual maker/designer to working for large construction/carpentry companies, with the goal of giving participants a full range of post-incarceration employment opportunities. Leah and Lynn, both members of the American Furniture Masters Institute, each bring strengths to this work as they built the program over the last several years.
“In the Making” is a public programs series where we connect with a range of new voices, fields, and perspectives. Learn more and view a full list of events on the series homepage.
With thanks to our underwriters
Massachusetts Cultural Council
Adams & Beasley Associates
BOND
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts
Eaton Vance
First Republic Bank
F.H. Perry, Builder
Firestone & Parson Inc.
Inland Underwriters Insurance Agency Sequoia Custom Builders, Inc.
