Serving Justice-Involved Learners In Southwest Virginia

Spring 2026 IET cohort in Lebanon, Virginia

Article by Beverly Proffitt, Regional Program Manager

Region 2, Southwest Regional Adult Education, is very thankful for all of our reentry and corrections/institutions facility partners. We could not do what we do without their continued partnership and support. Mrs. Linda Allen, our founding program manager, had a vision for justice-involved partnerships. The highly successful BOOK Program at District #43 Probation and Parole was the first partnership involving justice-involved students. Since then, Southwest Regional Adult Education is thankful for partnerships with Dickenson County P&P, Buchanan County P&P, and Russell County P&P. We are also extremely thankful to the Southwest Regional Jail Authority Haysi and Tazewell facilities.

We have instructors at each location, and classes meet one to two times per week. Students work toward their GED^® credential, study financial literacy and workforce preparation skills, and also earn industry-recognized credentials. Open communication with majors and supervisors is extremely important. Instructors at the local jails have to complete volunteer training yearly, including prison rape elimination act training. Incarcerated classrooms are very different than regular education classrooms, with specific guidelines that must be strictly followed.

Our goal is to provide students with certifications and training so that, upon release, they have credentials and knowledge to aid in obtaining gainful employment. We also refer students to our community partners. We are very hopeful to receive the 3.0 grant, which would allow us to continue serving justice-involved students. This is a population that is very near and dear to my heart. We are very thankful for the opportunity.