Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction Prisoner Community Service

DRC’s community service program was started in 1991 by Director Wilkinson in support of the Department’s "good neighbor pledge." The Bureau of Quality & Community Partnerships monitors and supports the development of productive partnerships with non-profit organizations, government agencies, schools and charitable groups throughout the state of Ohio with confirmed 501C3 not-for-profit tax status.

The community service program allows inmates an opportunity to give back to the community while at the same time supporting the Department’s restorative justice initiative of making a contribution to society. The program alleviates boredom and tension in prison, resulting in a safer environment for both staff and inmates. Safer prisons help establish a sense of security within Ohio communities and give offenders a sense of pride and accomplishment as they provide needed services to various organizations throughout the state.

Community Service supports a variety of partnerships including training and caring for puppies and dogs for programs that assist the physically and visually impaired; assisting Habitat for Humanity build homes for low to moderate income families; recording books on tape for schools; and serving approximately 200 teachers per day through Crayons to Computers, a free store for teachers. Since 1991, when the program was introduced, Department of Rehabilitation and Correction inmates have provided over 57 million community service hours to Ohio’s communities. For additional information regarding the Community Service program, please contact the Office of Prisons at 614-752-1091.