Second Chances: How STAR and OTCs are Rebuilding Lives

Empowering Transformation: The STAR Community Justice Center and Ohio Technical Centers Partnership

In this episode of the Ohio Technical Centers podcast, host Rachael Mann welcomes Josh Dylan from the STAR Community Justice Center. They discuss the Center's mission as a community-based correctional facility aimed at providing felony offenders with cognitive behavioral therapy, CTE programs, and reentry resources. Josh explains the impactful partnerships with local career technical centers, such as Collins Career Technical Center, Scioto County Career Technical Center, and Tri-County Career Technical Center, which offer residents trade-based education and industry-recognized certifications. Success stories, the importance of community service, educational services like GED preparation, and advice for business leaders on hiring STAR program graduates are also highlighted. The episode emphasizes the role of cognitive behavioral therapy and the reentry department’s efforts in ensuring successful reintegration into society.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest

00:54 Overview of STAR Community Justice Center

01:34 Partnerships with Local Career Technical Centers

03:26 CTE Programs and Success Stories

05:51 Resident Selection and Rehabilitation Process

08:34 Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Reentry Support

11:54 Community Service and Educational Services

17:42 Advice for Business Leaders and Industry Partners

20:09 Josh's Journey and Conclusion

Listeners are encouraged to visit the STAR Community Justice Center website, http://www.starcjc.com/. To learn more about Ohio Technical Centers in your area, visit  www.oacts.com or https://ohiotechnicalcenters.com/ for more information.