By 1812Blockhouse
The North End Community Improvement Collaborative (NECIC) has announced the grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony of the NECIC/RiCI Urban Agricultural Site. This groundbreaking initiative, in partnership with the Richland Correctional Institution (RiCI) and Central State University, represents a significant step forward in agricultural education and inmate rehabilitation. The event will take place on July 29, from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM, at 1155 S. Olivesburg Road, Mansfield, just down the road from the Ohio State Reformatory.
Event Details
Date: July 29th
Time: 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Location: 1155 S. Olivesburg Road, Mansfield, Ohio
Admission: Free
Parking: Ample parking available at the site
Refreshments: Light refreshments will be served
Schedule of Events
- 1:00 PM: Welcome and opening remarks by distinguished speakers
- 1:30 PM: Ribbon cutting ceremony to officially open the Urban Agricultural Site
- Post-Ceremony: Optional tours of RiCI and the farm for interested attendees
Distinguished Speakers
The event will feature speeches from notable figures in the community and the agricultural sector, including:
- Deanna West Torrence, CEO, NECIC
- Phil Mazzocco, Board President, NECIC
- Annette M. Chambers-Smith, Director, Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction (ODRC)
- Michelle Wallace, Regional ANR Extension Educator, Northwest, Central State University
- Walt Bonham, Food & Farm Consultant, NECIC
- An Inmate Participant, sharing personal experiences and the impact of the program
About the NECIC/RiCI Urban Agricultural Site
The NECIC/RiCI Urban Agricultural Site spans over 30 acres within the Richland Correctional Institution. This innovative program is a collaborative effort aimed at providing agricultural education and rehabilitation opportunities to inmates. By leasing the land to NECIC, RiCI supports a comprehensive program that includes education, hands-on training, and business courses in agriculture.
Key Features of the Program:
- Agricultural Education: Inmates receive extensive training in sustainable agriculture.
- Certification Opportunities: Participants can earn certifications in agriculture through Central State University.
- Apprenticeships and Work Hours: Inmates accumulate apprenticeship hours and gain practical experience.
- Community Service and Sentence Reduction: The program includes opportunities for community service and potential sentence reductions for participants.
Impact on the Community
This initiative is more than just an educational program; it is a transformative opportunity for inmates to gain valuable skills and reintegrate into society with a sense of purpose and accomplishment. The program aims to reduce recidivism rates by providing inmates with the tools and knowledge needed for a successful reentry into the community.
Community Invitation
The NECIC/RiCI Urban Agricultural Site grand opening is a unique opportunity for the community to witness firsthand the impact of innovative agricultural education and rehabilitation. The public is invited to join in celebrating this significant milestone and to learn more about the program’s positive effects on the community.
For more information, contact Melissa Drozda at [email protected].
Photo: DALL-E 3
Be sure to turn on the sound!
