SCI Somerset: Rehabilitation and Opportunities Behind Bars
In the heart of Somerset, Pennsylvania, stands the Somerset State Correctional Institution (SCI Somerset), a medium-security prison that plays a crucial role in the state’s criminal justice system. This facility houses approximately 2,365 adult male inmates, providing them with a structured environment for rehabilitation and personal growth. In this article, we will delve into the inner workings of SCI Somerset, exploring its facilities, programs, and the opportunities it offers to those incarcerated within its walls.
Housing Units Designed for Rehabilitation
SCI Somerset comprises ten housing units, each serving a specific purpose in the rehabilitation process. Some units feature multiple occupancy cells, fostering a sense of community among inmates, while others are dormitory-style, promoting a more open living environment. Notably, one of these units is designated as a special needs unit, catering to inmates with unique requirements.
Correctional Industries: A Path to Skill Development
One of the notable aspects of SCI Somerset is its participation in the correctional industries program. Within the prison walls, offenders are employed in an industrial laundry operation. This operation is responsible for the cleaning of inmate clothing and linens not only for SCI Somerset but also for several other correctional facilities, universities, veterans’ facilities, and the department of public welfare. By participating in this program, inmates gain valuable vocational skills that can prove instrumental in their reintegration into society upon release.
Community Work Program: Giving Back to Society
SCI Somerset believes in the importance of giving back to the community. In line with this belief, the prison operates a community work program that provides inmate labor for various community projects. Inmates involved in this program engage in tasks such as landscaping and cleaning, including maintaining the Flight 93 Memorial. This initiative not only benefits the community but also helps inmates develop a sense of responsibility and contribution.
Vocational Training and Education
Education and skill development are paramount at SCI Somerset. The prison offers vocational training programs in carpentry, vinyl siding installation, electrical wiring, HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) systems, custodial maintenance, barbering, and plumbing. These programs equip inmates with practical skills that can lead to meaningful employment opportunities upon their release.
For those who lack a high school diploma, SCI Somerset offers adult basic education classes, allowing them to work towards earning their GED (General Educational Development) certificate. Education serves as a powerful tool for personal growth and transformation, and SCI Somerset is committed to helping inmates unlock their full potential.
Addressing Substance Abuse and Mental Health
Recognizing that many inmates grapple with alcohol and substance abuse issues, SCI Somerset provides several programs dedicated to addressing these challenges. In addition to mandatory high-intensity programs for sex offenders, the institution offers additional mental health treatment, parenting courses, and violence prevention classes. These programs aim to equip inmates with the necessary tools to address their underlying issues and reduce the likelihood of reoffending.
Visitation: Maintaining Connections
Maintaining connections with loved ones is essential for an inmate’s well-being and successful reintegration into society. SCI Somerset facilitates visitation on Mondays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm. To access the vending machines in the visiting room, visitors can obtain vending machine cards for an initial cost of $5, which can be reused and loaded with more money for subsequent visits. These vending machines offer a range of food and drinks, ensuring that visitors and inmates can share a meal or snack during their visits.
Contact Information
For those seeking to reach out to SCI Somerset, the following contact information is provided:
Physical Address: Somerset State Correctional Institution 1600 Walters Mill Road Somerset, PA 15510-0001
Telephone: (814)-443-8100
Inmate Mailing Address: Inmate Name, ID Number SCI Somerset 1600 Walters Mill Road Somerset, PA 15510-0001
Conclusion
Somerset State Correctional Institution is not merely a place of incarceration; it’s a facility dedicated to rehabilitation, education, and skill development. By offering various programs and opportunities, it strives to help inmates prepare for a better future outside its walls. Through education, vocational training, and addressing underlying issues, SCI Somerset plays a vital role in reducing recidivism and promoting successful reintegration into society.
FAQs
- What is the primary goal of SCI Somerset?
- SCI Somerset’s primary goal is to rehabilitate inmates and prepare them for successful reintegration into society by providing education, vocational training, and addressing underlying issues.
- How can visitors access the vending machines at SCI Somerset during visitation?
- Visitors can access the vending machines by obtaining vending machine cards for an initial cost of $5, which can be reused and loaded with more money for subsequent visits.
- What vocational training programs are offered at SCI Somerset?
- SCI Somerset offers vocational training programs in carpentry, vinyl siding installation, electrical wiring, HVAC systems, custodial maintenance, barbering, and plumbing.
- Does SCI Somerset provide programs for addressing substance abuse and mental health?
- Yes, SCI Somerset offers programs for addressing substance abuse and mental health, including mandatory programs for sex offenders, additional mental health treatment, parenting courses, and violence prevention classes.
- What are the visiting hours at SCI Somerset?
- Visitation at SCI Somerset is conducted on Mondays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm, providing opportunities for inmates to connect with their loved ones.
