HANNIBAL, MO. -- The Missouri Department of Transportation has many employees across the northeast area who finds overseeing the work release crews from the Women's Eastern Reception and Diagnostic Correctional Center very rewarding. "If you search beyond what you see, you will find the MoDOT Work/Release program offers many worthwhile benefits for Missouri taxpayers and the offenders," said Brad Sanders, one MoDOT employee who oversees the work release crews.
One of the many rewards to MoDOT and taxpayers is the work release crews make vast improvements to our roadsides and roadside parks and complete other tasks that would not be performed otherwise, all at a low cost to the taxpayers. "Since we work in groups, we can get a lot done at one time, and the cost is minimal," Sanders said.
While MoDOT and Missouri taxpayers benefit from their labor at a low cost, it is really the offenders taking part in the program that have the most to gain. The program offers life changing opportunities for the offenders through discipline, patience, hard work, dedication and education. "These are people who will soon be released, so they can take with them the skills they have learned to get their lives back on track and be a valuable part of society," he continued.
The offenders learn principles such as empowerment, self esteem, self respect, responsibility, teamwork and craftsmanship which are essential when they look for work in the private sector. Many former offenders who have worked in this area have found work as heavy equipment operators and with other transportation departments making the program a big success.
As you drive on Missouri roadways and see the work release crews hard at work, think of the many benefits to Missouri taxpayers and to the offenders when so they can once again be productive members of society and to their families.
Those traveling and commuting public are encouraged to check the online map at www.modot.org daily for new work zones. MoDOT also offers e-update messages sent directly to your email when roadwork is scheduled. Sign up online or call MoDOT's customer service center at 1-888-275-6636.
Release provided by MoDot Community Relations
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