Location: Hancock County Jail, Greenfield, Indiana
Orijin Training: Numerous courses in cognitive therapy and skilled trades training, including HVAC, electrical, and plumbing.
Career Path: Entry-level position or apprenticeship
When Stephen S. first heard about Orijin’s learning programs in jail, he wasn’t expecting it to change the course of his life. But the moment he picked up the tablet and started exploring the skilled trades courses, something clicked.
“I’ve always liked working with my hands, but I never really understood how things fit together,” Stephen says. “Once I started learning about plumbing, I realized how connected it was to HVAC and electrical work. I found myself going deeper—four to six hours a day—because it felt like I was finally unlocking my potential.”Stephen had apprenticed as a plumber in the past, but the real-world knowledge never stuck. Through step-by-step lessons and interactive learning, things began to make sense. “This time, I was understanding it. The way the courses break things down—it’s practical, it’s real, and it gave me the confidence to say, ‘Yeah, I can actually do this.’”
“There are two kinds of incarceration. One where you just sit and wait to get out. And one where you actually learn something, grow, and start building a better life. That’s what Orijin gives us.”
The more he learned, the more his interests evolved. He began exploring electrical systems, learning the basics of circuits and safety codes, and even brushing up on the math behind the work. “The electrical field really excites me now. It’s always in demand, and it’s only growing. I’d love to apprentice and work toward becoming a licensed electrician when I get out.”
Beyond trades training, Stephen also took advantage of Orijin’s career prep tools, like resume builders, job search resources, and soft skills development. “I didn’t know how to present myself professionally before. Now, I’m learning how to communicate, how to prepare for interviews—and it’s all on the same platform.”
What makes the experience different for Stephen is that it doesn’t feel like a punishment—it feels like a path forward. “There are two kinds of incarceration,” he says. “One where you just sit and wait to get out. And one where you actually learn something, grow, and start building a better life. That’s what Orijin gives us.”
Stephen’s story is more than just personal growth—it’s about possibility. “Without this kind of program, a lot of us would still be stuck, unsure of what’s next. But now, I have direction. I have skills. I have hope. And I’m ready to work.”
