The Cumberlands Workforce Development Board October meeting featured an update from Russell County Jailer Bobby Dunbar and Russell County Attorney Kevin Shearer on Russell County's Pre-Release program’s initial inmate information session recently held at the Russell County Detention Center. The purpose of the pre-release program, or LEAP (Linking Employment to Activities Pre-Release), is to successfully bring those with felonies or misdemeanors, or who have extremely low income, into the workforce.

The pre-release program recently provided a group of Russell County inmates with comprehensive resources to help them access pre-employment necessities that many take for granted, such as locating birth certificates, social security cards, identification, etc. The pre-release program partners also provide resources to offer assistance with things like job search, resumes, interview skills, transportation, and even interview clothing. The program’s initial group of inmates have noted an overwhelming success rate with post-incarceration employment.