Frank Bindics is a repeat offender, in jail this time for the last six months after violating an order of protection.

What You Need To Know

  • Chautauqua County is the latest to bring the IGNITE program to the jail
  • Ulster County is the other with the program
  • The program offers GED and fatherhood classes for inmates who want to better themselves upon release

"[It’s] real rough,” he said. “I'm not out enjoying my family or working full-time. I'm just wasting time sitting behind bars.”

During his time, Bindics recently took part in the jail's janitorial program, part of the Inmate Growth Naturally and Intentionally Through Education, or IGNITE, designed to give inmates the skills to succeed upon their release.

Bindics has prior experience in the cleaning industry and trained with all new supplies and equipment.

"[It’s] very exciting. Refresh my memory on how to do it and still keeping in touch in doing it,” said Bindics. “I'd like to get a good paying job and continue on.”

So would inmates who are part of IGNITE's GED program, a partnership with education leaders that looks to include job training and occupational trades.

IGNITE also offers a fatherhood program for male inmates wanting to become a better dad.

"The beauty of the IGNITE program is that it can be adapted to your facility," said John Clark, IGNITE coordinator and corrections officer, Chautauqua County Jail.

Clark says the goal of the program is to reduce the number of repeat offenders as 40% of the state's jail population re-offends within five years.

"So, if we can reduce that recidivism and use education and job opportunities to do so, I think that's good for both the individual and society as a whole," said Clark.

Chautauqua County Sheriff Jim Quattrone brought the program to his jail after hearing about its success in Michigan.

He joins Ulster County as the only other in New York state that offers the program, and says it’s already having a positive impact on some of the inmates. 

"They are encouraged and this is something that we want to see,” said Sheriff Quattrone. “That they can become productive members of society [and] be better equipped to find employment.”

Like Bindics, who says he's grateful for another chance and hopeful once he's out.

"I enjoy doing floor work,” he said. “[I] do my best to stay out of trouble.”

Law enforcement leaders also say they hope the IGNITE program expands into other counties in the state as well.