The Step-Up Program is meant to reduce crime and keep inmates out of jail once they’ve been released. It’s a one-of-a-kind program at the Lubbock County Detention Center that’s giving inmates help to change their behavior and lives.
“And all the tools and everything that we’re using in here is going to help us. Job wise, waking up early, going to benefit from it,” said one inmate in the Step-Up Pod.
“Because words mean nothing in here. We’ve heard all of these words. ‘I’ll never do it again.’ OK. Well, show me,” said Rae Brockman, Rehabilitation Coordinator for the Step-Up Program.
She makes it a point. When it comes to the step-up program, she only accepts inmates who want to make real modifications in their lives.
“This program makes a whole lot of difference when you get a big group of us together and you can get respect from every man in the room. And positivity and try to build you up,” said an inmate.
Those chosen are typically no stranger to being in jail.
“How many times have they been to the special housing unit? How many fights have they been in? How many disrespect the staff? And so that we can start modifying those behaviors to eliminate them completely,” said Brockman.
The inmates have a strict 8 a.m. schedule Monday through Friday. They gather for at least four classes a day to strengthen many different skills such as anger management, job readiness and group therapy. This way, the inmates learn to reach their maximum potential for change.
“They don’t believe that they can amount to anything other than a thug. And that’s not what we want to communicate. We want to build our community. We want to build these individuals,” said Brockman.
“This program has helped you if you mobilize your skills. You can and will be successful whether you’re in here or out here,” said an inmate.
The inmates will graduate from their program in March and have the opportunity to come back as mentors for other inmates.
