Title: Assistant Jail Commander
Length of Time in Corrections: 8+ years
Location: Hancock County Jail, Greenfield, Indiana
Nichole Stark, the Assistant Jail Commander at Hancock County Sheriff’s Office, has dedicated over eight years to her role. In that time, she has seen firsthand how innovative programs like Orijin are transforming the inmate experience and creating lasting change. Stark’s leadership has been instrumental in the successful implementation of these programs, which have become an integral part of the facility’s efforts to foster rehabilitation and positive behavior.
One of the most impactful changes Stark has observed is the introduction of Orijin’s managed learning platform, which provide inmates with access to educational resources and vocational training. According to Stark, learners are eager to learn new skills, and the opportunity to earn certifications has given them a renewed sense of purpose.
“When inmates have something to focus on, like completing a program to earn a certificate, it helps them set goals. It gives them hope for when they get out, and they can begin to work on building a career even while they’re still here.”
“It’s so rewarding when you run into someone at the gas station or grocery store, and they say, ‘I’m doing really well because I got this job after earning my certification in jail.’ It gives them a sense of purpose, and they don’t come back.”
Orijin’s impact extends beyond education and workforce skills development. For the staff, the shift in improved safety has been notable. “Inmates are more focused and better behaved because they understand that their privileges, including the use of tablets, can be taken away for misconduct. It’s definitely an incentive for them to stay out of trouble, and it’s made things easier for staff as well,” Stark says. In addition, she describes how Orijin has opened a new avenue for dialogue between staff and inmates, allowing correctional officers to help guide incarcerated individuals through their learning journey, reducing tensions and conflicts.
Stark says she takes pride in seeing the long-term impact these programs have on learners once they are released. “It’s so rewarding when you run into someone at the gas station or grocery store, and they say, ‘I’m doing really well because I got this job after earning my certification in jail.’ It gives them a sense of purpose, and they don’t come back,” Stark reflects.
Having seen the “before and after” of the jail environment, Stark is a strong advocate for correctional facilities adopting similar programs. “For those who are hesitant about implementing these types of educational tools, I’d say take the leap. You’re not going to lose anything by trying it. If even one person’s life is changed because they had access to these resources, it’s worth it,” she says.
