A Presidential Proclamation

On March 31, 2022, President Biden entered a proclamation that the month of April would be nationally recognized as Second Chance Month, when we reaffirm the importance of helping people who were formerly incarcerated reenter society. As this designation notes, it is critical that our criminal and juvenile justice systems provide meaningful opportunities for rehabilitation and redemption. By supporting people who are committed to rectifying their mistakes, redefining themselves, and making meaningful contributions to society, we help reduce recidivism and build safer communities.

Aramark is committed to providing second chances through training, education and employment through our IN2WORK vocational training program. In the last year, Aramark has hired over 265 interns, 273 full-time employees across our businesses, and provided $100,000+ in scholarships to graduates and their families.

You can learn more by clicking the link to the Presidential Proclamation on Second Chance Month

Every Second Chance Has a Story

Aramark is committed to breaking the cycle of recidivism by improving the lives of those we serve through food, education and jobs - so much so that we have adopted this notion as part of our mission. We are able to deliver on this mission through our IN2WORK program, which has a proven record of success creating a viable path to employment for graduates.

Aramark is proud to be a Second Chance Employer, and in recognition of this important month, we want to share a few of the many experiences of the dedicated individuals who were committed to completing the program, and used it as an opportunity to chart their journey beyond incarceration. We hope it will serve as confirmation that a bad decision in your past, does not have to determine your future.

I am inspired by these individuals, and excited to see what the future holds for each of them!

- Tim Barttrum, President, Aramark Correctional Services

Paul Y.

I graduated IN2WORK program in Branchville Indiana in 2013, and was the first male intern to be hired as part of a pilot program. After a 90-day probationary period, I became a full-time employee for the next 4 years as an intern for Aramark Corrections. While working in the kitchen I went through the program and was taught a lot of valuable information pertaining to food service. I have always been a hands-on learner so working in the kitchen was something I did enjoy. The food service director and assistant put a lot of faith in me, and I knew I did not want to let them down. I remember thinking in my head, “I can’t believe they chose me for this position.”

I worked for Branchville for 3 years then I was leveled down to Henryville prison where I was the Director’s Clerk and On the Floor Trainer. I have worked literally every area in the kitchen and have taken in a ton of food service knowledge. The program is designed to give a person the tools and knowledge to be successful upon re-entry to society and will do just that if you work the program the way it is intended.

From Henryville I was sent to work release and was hired at a bar to be cook/ prep cook. A couple weeks before my release, Aramark set me up with an interview at IREF where I was offered a position. I went back to the bar and put in my 2 weeks’ notice. The following day when I showed up at the bar for my shift, I was called into the office and offered a manager’s position with excellent pay. So, I accepted their offer and declined the IREF job. I worked at the bar for approximately 2 years, during which time, I rented a 2-bedroom house from the money I saved.

Eventually, I moved back home to my small town, bought a house, and started a small business. My business is still going and growing, and I have hired staff that work the shop. At the same time, I decided to get a part time job. I applied with Aramark and was hired in as a Lead Supervisor at the New Castle Correctional Facility. It is absolutely different holding the radio, keys, and assigning out the tools I use to wait for. I love being back with Aramark and take pride in the fact of how many paid interns are on the floors that I help run.

Aramark has an amazing operation, and these paid interns are setup for success through the IN2WORK program. Just obtaining the knowledge is super helpful, then you get the certificate plus the chance for internship position, which will financially set them up for success.

Amy F.

I am thankful for the IN2WORK Program. I never dreamt that I would find a job, let a long a job with potential growth. I have now been with Aramark for 6 months and like my job!

I push myself harder to better myself, and my job keeps me where I need to be a productive part of society.

Jason C.

I am an IN2WORK graduate in Putnamville, Indiana. I am currently an Intern, where I manage the diet line, meat room, sanitation as well as the second shift, which involves a ten-man team and the dinner meal, and plan to work for Aramark when I am released.

IN2WORK taught me not only the importance of food safety, but being responsible as a leader and manager. It helped me turn a negative situation into a positive one, gave me hope and plans for the future, which I am able to apply to my everyday life, even while still incarcerated.

The IN2WORK program benefits the food service operations at this facility because it teaches everyone involved – not only the current students but other workers – the importance of food safety. It also makes them involved in a positive program and situation that normally would be seen as a chore or just another, but is now an opportunity to learn and grow.

I plan on using what I have learned m in the food industry when I get out of prison to teach others the importance of food safety, but more importantly, of the future and how their choices affect & impact the lives of everyone. I would also like to further my education and seek employment with Aramark so I can give back to them for the change they made possible by allowing me the opportunity to participate in the program.

Jason L.

I am an IN2WORK graduate and intern at the Putnamville Correctional Facility. I began the program working on the diet line, and currently work for Aramark as an intern doing retail inventory, working inthe Officers' Dining Room, FreshFavorites, iCare, Catering Team, leadership and management.

The IN2WORK Program has completely changed my thoughts about employment. I am encouraged to know that I have resources available upon release to assist me. There is no greater feeling for someone like me, who has served over 25 years in prison, to know that there is a team ready to aid and assist me. This program has given me peace of mind.

It is unlike anything I have ever seen in a prison production kitchen. I have been incarcerated at ISP, ISR, Wabash, and now here at the ISF, Never have I seen a prison kitchen so clean and taken seriously. It is managed tough and expected to adhere to food safety standards. The students gain a new perspective about food service. In so learning, they begin to apply the teachings to their daily duties. Over time, these practices lead to a better quality of food & sanitation.

I plan on being here as an intern for the remainder of my time. I was granted a scholarship from Aramark, which I plan to used to further my college education. I intend on developing more contacts that will help me upon re-entry. I trust the people in charge of the IN2WORK program. The sky is the limit, given the opportunity. I am capable and ready to seize that moment.

Gregory M.

My name is Gregory Mack, and I graduated the IN2WORK Program in 2022 as the class Valedictorian at London Correctional Institution.

I was able to get a spot in the Fellowship Program after working as a line server, second-shift cook, working well and helping with iCare Visitation meals, which are restaurant quality and style meals offered through Aramark.

Currently I am employed as a Line Leader. We help keep the food line moving in an orderly fashion, which supervising and coaching our fellow line workers. I also assist with iCare meals on Thursdays and FreshFavorites on Friday.

The IN2WORK Program definitely keeps you busy, working 35-40 hours a week. It's also helped me with my people skills. I've worked in the food service industry for a while, but always in the BOH (Back of House). This job puts you front and center. You are the tip of the spear of guest interaction. Some are better than others.

I feel IN2WORK gives Aramark a willing and eager-to-learn employee pool. Gives out gellow IA in the kitchen something to aim for, to make it a position of trust, and quite frankly get paid for it. It is the only reason I even got ServSafe Certified. The owner of the restaurant where I worked, offered me an Assistant Kitchen Manager job, but you had to be ServSafe Certified. My employers were very supportive, they even wrote a letter to the judge at my sentencing, and assured me I still had a job if I wanted it. So I had the opportunity to get Certified, and I took it. Since you always should want to advance and move forward, the Fellowship was the next logical step.

So between my former job, and the opportunity Aramark presents, I hope to hit the ground running.

Tori L.

Since receiving scholarship funding with IN2WORK my life has been flying in such positive way! I have been applying and received help with my education since 2021 and it has helped me grow and reach heights that I thought was almost impossible until receiving the scholarship.

I have told and had friends look into applying as well to help get their career started as well. I would recommend all IN2WORK graduates look into the benefits of the program especially the scholarship to further their education, because it will be there to support and help you along the way.

Paul T.

Pendleton Correctional Facility is where I graduated the IN2WORK program. At Pendleton, my instructors were Nowak and Sharp, who were both graduates of the program. It wasn't until I was transferred to Branchville Correctional Facility, that I was selected to be an intern. After becoming an intern for Aramark, I quickly learned to multitask in a kitchen environment. As a supervising intern my responsibilities include training both new staff and inmates, watching over operations, and seeing the food is properly be handled.

The IN2WORK program has not only taught me everything I know about food service, but has also given me the confidence to keep working towards my next goal. I have plans to work for Aramark upon release, with intentions on moving up the ranks and becoming a Food Service Manager.

The IN2WORK Program benefits not just me, but the facility too. The ability to train staff has helped Branchville Correctional Facility introduce better tasting food and keep up with standards. Some of these standards include following recipes, proper sanitation techniques, and safety in the workplace.

Aramark gives every student opportunity for employment upon release. I look forward to taking advantage of my opportunity to teach the IN2WORK program this year and continue employment with Aramark. I would also like to attend college and receive a Food service degree.

Livia T.

Dustin M.

When I first started in this kitchen, I was all about myself. All I wanted was to succeed and become a Black Hat so I could make a living and take care of myself, and help out my family.

Then, eventually I cam to the realization that these guys, in a way, are my new family. I also found out how much I cared about helping others, so I decided to become an IN2WORK instuctor.

At first, it was new to me. I struggled but eventually became a better version of myself. It taught me patience, empathy, and the passion to help others thrive.

Lastly, in an environment like this, people are used to someone or anyone wanting to bring them up. So it's nice to know that in some way I'm changing lives, making people matter, and that I'm depended upon to be a role model and leader.

Amanda W.

I am currently in my second year as an IN2WORK Fellow at the Dayton Correctional Institution. My responsibilities include assisting the Aramark staff with meal planning, preparation, delivery, safety & sanitation and training & development.

I am the administrative assistant to the ASFD in dealing with IP documentation and I conduct most of the orientations along with an Aramark staff person. I assist in planning the iCare offerings and handling both the administration of paperwork while also executing orders to be prepped and delivered on the days I am scheduled. I assist the Material Handler with inventories and ordering for the upcoming weeks.

During these 2 years as a Fellow, I have developed the tools and skills I had previously. This program has allowed me to learn new ones: effective communication, delegation, planning, forecasting and process efficiencies. The on-the-job training will help me to be successful once I am released.

The IN2WORK program helps our facility by allowing the inmates to take an active role in the daily operations. This helps with teaching and developing new skills. Many of our workers have never held a position on the outside. Completing the study and testing part of the program helps to give them the confidence to be able to accomplish things and to take personal pride in their work. It gives them hope that they can overcome the issues that placed them in the position of being incarcerated. The facility benefits by having a steady well trained workforce that is happy to work together as a team and takes pride in producing quality and safe products for the general prison population.

My main goal upon release is work towards owning and operating a Food Truck. This program has given me both a framework and foundation to make that happen.

There are many challenges and struggles facing us when released. The Fellowship program has lifted some of those burdens off me. Financially, I will be able to provide for myself, living accommodations and vehicle for transportation. Knowing that there is a good possibility for employment within the Aramark Corporation is a blessing. With having these challenges taken care of, I can put my focus and energy on my family and building the future.

You may remember our first group of Second Chance Month graduates from last year! We've kept in touch with these individuals and many other graduates who have continued to experience success through the IN2WORK program since their release, and are excited to share some updates with you as their journey continues to unfold!

Emil G.

Emil has been pretty busy since we last caught up with him! He attended an Aramark Leadership Summit in the fall, where he sat on an IN2WORK panel to talk about the impact of the program. He was also recently featured on a special Second Chance Month edition of Aramark's Mark This! Podcast.

Emil is currently working and IU Health in Indiana, working to create a talent pipeline for the graduates of the IN2WORK program out of the Indiana Department of Corrections.

Emil's Original Submission: So, I can honestly say that if it weren't for I2W program I wouldn't be where I am today. IN2WORK solidified and expanded training, certifications and skills that I had been using for years. By accessing the certifications and educational tools such as ServSafe, the various food service classes and working with Aramark staff allowed for me to show what I was, am and will be capable of doing. I began my journey with Aramark in 2012 with the IN2WORK Cook's program while at Miami Correctional Facility.

Once completing the classes, certifications, and required apprenticeship hours, about 4 years later I applied for an internship position and enrolled in the IN2WORK Office Management and Administrative Assistant Program. Also, in that program I expanded my skill sets toward running a business in the various classes and certification processes. Upon completion, I transfered to the South Bend Community Re-entry Center in South Bend, IN. While there I took on more responsibilities as not only a Full-time Aramark staff, but also as a contracted member of the South Bend Re-entry staff.

When it was time for me to leave South Bend, I was contacted by Melissa Hess about a pilot program in connection with IU Health. I had originally applied for a cook's position with IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital but upon seeing my background and experience I was asked if I would be interested in a Supervisor's position, which would mean I could still stay within Aramark. Since being here, I can say that I have been able to utilize what I learned in the I2W program and have been given the chance to rebuild my life and to return so much to the patients and staff here in the services, work, and environment that we provide here.

Chris K.

Chris joined Emil as part of the Leadership Summit Panel in the fall , in addition to the Mark This! podcast, at which time he was working as a private chef.

Since then, he has continued to pursue his passion of giving back to the IN2WORK program, and was recently hired by Aramark at the Oriana House as an IN2WORK Instructor and Lead Supervisor in the kitchen. He has also played an integral role in helping the IN2WORK program become evidence-based.

Chris' Original Submission: The In2Work program was a blessing in disguise for me. It provided me with skills I never thought I would need. This program gave me hope and something to look forward to while I was incarcerated. You're always learning something new daily. From proper temperatures, to the correct way to handle your hot and cold foods, your hygiene, and also customer service, and even got my Servesafe Food Managers Certification. I was released in July of 2023 and had a job not even 2 weeks later!!!! I started out as just a normal employee at Chick-fil-A.

In 4 short months I was moved to a lead because I applied all the knowledge and tools I learned from the In2Work program. Not a day goes by where I am not grateful for the program entering the DOC facility I was in. I feel like I owe the program my life. I hope my brothers and sisters inside take advantage of this and for the facilities that don't have this program work on getting it. I know it will reduce the recidivism rate. Please take full advantage of this program!!!!

Michelle D.

Michelle also joined Chris & Emil on the IN2WORK Panel and Mark This! Podcast as a featured graduate. During that time she was promoted to Manager at the Lebanon Correctional Facility.

She was recently recruited to teach IN2WORK in the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction, where she will support Fellows as they learn and develop their career in food service. Michelle held her first IN2WORK graduation as an Instructor on March 23, 2024!

And she's not done yet! In the coming weeks, Michelle will attend a Sheriff's Conference in California, alongside IN2WORK Director, Nicole McVaugh to share her IN2WORK experience!

Michelle's Original Submission: This class prepares you by teaching responsibility, accountability, and organization. It teaches the importance of working as a team player, always doing your best for the company you work, as if it was your own business. Our Aramark Food Service Director Mr. David and our IN2WORK instructor Mrs. Cunningham trained and coached our team on the importance of presentation, sanitation, good hygiene, food quality and temperatures. These basics are everything when it comes to preparing and serving food in a correctional setting and the IN2WORK program gave our team at NERC all the tools for success. All that I learned has directly applied to my current job at Ohio State Penitentiary and has allowed for me to have a smooth start to my new position.

The IN2WORK program allowed me the opportunity to graduate with my Managers ServSafe certification and continue with a position in the Fellowship program while incarcerated. Through the Fellowship program I was able to work for Aramark making minimum wage and gain the knowledge, tools, and experience needed to gain employment with Aramark upon my release. The IN2WORK program and the people involved made my employment transition seamless and easy and I was able to start working at Ohio State Penitentiary within one month of my release. I look forward to progressing with Aramark as I continue my career in food service.

From Mr. Hawkins, current supervisor:

Michelle has hit the ground running at OSP in her current role. She has come in to our operation having an extremely high level of skill and understanding of what it is that we do each day for our facility. We are looking forward to watching her bright future develop with Aramark.

Anntionetta H.

Anntionetta joined her colleages as part of the Aramark Leadership Summit Panel on IN2WORK, as well as the Mark This! Podcast.

Upon her release this fall, she was hired by Aramark as the Food Service Manager at Riverside Jail. As part of her role, she is leading the IN2WORK program and teaching the program to the five students who make up her class, but she isn't stopping there...

What's up next for Antionetta? In the coming months, she will be hosting the IN2WORK Aces Cooking Competition for the women in her class, and supporting them throughout the challenge!

Antionetta's Original Submission: I was just serving time, waking each day with stress and worry about how I was going to make it in the ever-changing world. With marks already piled up against me, I was having to struggle, thinking of ways to end being a part of the ever-growing recidivism rate. Would I be able to turn my life around? Would I be able to find a job? Would someone hire me? The answer to those questions came when Aramark gave me this opportunity with their IN2WORK program.

They have helped me become financially able to take care of my means, I have improved my credit score. Aramark has helped me to transform my life completely by becoming responsible, determined. I will be a returning citizen that will make a difference. I will not waste this gift.

Thank you, I am Anntionetta H., and I am employed by ARAMARK!

And in case you missed their stories...

Carl S.

Let me start my testimony by giving great thanks to the IN2WORK program. In recent days I have wondered where I would be without it being introduced to me. No one wants to be locked up. Losing everything and starting over is a dreadful nightmare. IN2WORK showed me it is not the end of the road. With a heavy heart full of worries and anxiety IN2WORK has taught me many skills besides kitchen work. It taught me empathy for others, patience, being open to new things and most importantly is “It’s going to be alright.” I am one of the best Supervisors because I can relate to most situations regardless of background, race, or tax bracket. I have also sharpened my eyes to recognize potential in other candidates to be successful.

I would like to thank Ms. Peyton and Mr. Ford for all the support they have contributed to my success. Words cannot express how valuable these two individuals have been to my success. I completed the IN2WORK program and obtained my manager certification in ServSafe. I was released from jail and was granted the opportunity to return as an Aramark employee, (corrections oversight worker). I am humbled to be part of this experience and would like to thank everyone involved. Thank You.

Michael S.

I was at a standstill in prison until Aramark allowed me to take their In2Work program. It was fantastic. I worked in food service as a clerk. The course was great. It allowed me to use the skills I’ve always had and turn them into a successful life upon my release. Aramark treated me like an employee not an inmate because they recognized those skills. The info the course offered was great. I learned things about food service that I never knew. It allowed me to get ServSafe certified as well as gain employment upon my release.

I now work for Aramark at Flowers Bakery in Cleveland, TN as a shipping/receiving clerk. This is all because of the opportunity that Aramark offered me. Everyone who is afforded the opportunity to take this course while incarcerated should do so. It will change your life! Thank you to all the Aramark staff who helped me along the way. I will be forever grateful.

Sean B.

The IN2WORK program has helped me greatly. I have learned to work in a team environment. have learned the basics on preparing food and cooking in small and large kitchens. It has been a blessing while being incarcerated, that I have been able to work, save money to pay my back taxes, and help my mother who is in a wheelchair.

Aramark has given me the option of full-time employment upon release.

I am very grateful to Aramark and IN2WORK because a person with a criminal record has an uphill battle when it comes to finding employment.

Thank You Sincerely, Sean B.

Sherelle M.

My name is Sherelle Morrison and I am currently employed as an oversight worker for Aramark at the Madison Correctional Facility. My journey with Aramark started in 2019 when I enrolled in the IN2WORK program at Indiana Women’s Prison. During this time, I learned basic knowledge of the kitchen, worked my way through to procedures of safe food handling, public health advantages and disadvantages, how to receive, handle and store food properly, keep temperatures, times and labeling in a proper and safe order.

Towards the middles of my 18 months, I found myself leaning towards this as being a career path outside of [prison], and through good integrity and initiative, I was granted Staff Assistant, until I eventually transferred to Madison in June of 2021. I stayed in good faith Aramark would stay an option for me outside of [prison]. Then in March of 2022, a posting appeared for an intern position. I immediately applied with a recommendation from Mrs. Rucker from IWP, and my history from working there, I was approved for the position.

Everything I learned from IN2WORK and being Staff Assistant helped me mold into Madison’s routines and paperwork. Mrs. Young and Mrs. Smith are both amazing and encouraged me to eventually go for a supervisor position through work release.

As an intern I was responsible for production paperwork, quality control, mentoring other women in the IN2WORK program, oversights of others during meal times, organization, inventory, dating and storing all dry goods. Within 7 months I became work release eligible, and without a second thought Mrs. Young hired me. All of this was possible starting with the IN2WORK program. I am now helping with retail, inventory of diets, mentoring all of the women on my shift, help keeping items secured, maintaining temps and times, as well as productions, keeping food safe and offering suggestions to help our facility. I still mentor the women with receiving food and items, and how to keep things in order.

My leadership and current position have given me confidence and more purpose to continue this as a career outside of here. I am very grateful for this journey and excited to where it will lead me when I am released. None of this would have been possible without the IN2WORK program. Thank you for allowing me to share my journey, and I hope it inspires others.

To learn more about our IN2WORK program, visit our website by clicking the button below

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