Job Training & Blight Reduction

The one-of-a-kind Restoring Neighborhoods Workforce initiative has been removing blight and creating opportunity since late 2013 by training individuals in deconstruction techniques, removing abandoned properties and connecting participants to employment.

RENEW participants earn a second chance by gaining skills and job site experience under a diversion program for those sentenced on non-violent crimes. Participants spend six months receiving education and counseling and then eight months on electronically monitored supervision that includes case management and drug testing. RENEW trains participants in deconstruction techniques through in-class and on-site education, helping them build a work history and critical real-world experience.

In addition to providing participants with opportunities to obtain valuable job training, certification, and skill development,  RENEW also partners with the CCSO Community Resource Center (CRC) to provide program participants with necessary case management and linkage to community-based resources. The CRC also offers RENEW participants ongoing support to ensure they have the tools to successfully complete their program and re-enter the community.

Upon completion, participants have accomplished:

• 40 hours of classroom training on deconstruction techniques using curriculum developed by the Building Materials Reuse Association
• 40 hours of basic carpentry skills training, including framing and dismantling
• OSHA-10 Certification
• Up to 150 hours of deconstruction/demolition work on actual job sites, using various power and hand tools
• A solid understanding of work site safety protocols and salvage techniques

Who is Eligible For RENEW?

730 ILCS 5/5-8-1.2 County Impact Incarceration states:

(c) In order to be eligible to be sentenced to a county impact incarceration program by the court, the person shall meet all of the following requirements:

(1) The person must be not less than 17 years of age nor more than 35 years of age.

(2) The person has not previously participated in the impact incarceration program and has not previously served more than one prior sentence of imprisonment for a felony in an adult correctional facility.

(3) The person has not been convicted of a Class X felony, first or second degree murder, armed violence, aggravated kidnapping, criminal sexual assault, aggravated criminal sexual abuse, forcible detention, or arson and has not been convicted previously of any of those offenses.

(4) The person has been found in violation of probation for an offense that is a Class 2, 3, or 4 felony that is not a forcible felony as defined in Section 2-8 of the Criminal Code of 2012 or a violent crime as defined in subsection (c) of Section 3 of the Rights of Crime Victims and Witnesses Act who otherwise could be sentenced to a term of incarceration; or the person is convicted of an offense that is Class 2, 3, or 4 felony that is not a forcible felony as defined in Section 2-8 of the Criminal Code of 2012 or a violent crime as defined in subsection (c) of Section 3 of the Rights of Crime Victims and Witnesses Act who has previously served a sentence of probation for any felony offense and who otherwise could be sentenced to a term of incarceration.

(5) The person must be physically able to participate in strenuous physical activities or labor.

(6) The person must not have any mental disorder or disability that would prevent participation in a county impact incarceration program.

(7) The person was recommended and approved for placement in the county impact incarceration program by the Sheriff and consented in writing to participation in the county impact incarceration program and to the terms and conditions of the program. The Sheriff may consider, among other matters, whether the person has any outstanding detainers or warrants, whether the person has a history of escaping or absconding, whether participation in the county impact incarceration program may pose a risk to the safety of any person and whether space is available.