June 14, 2016

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

United Way Plays Role in 18 GED Graduates

ANGOLA, Ind. - A collaborative effort between a local non-profit organization and

Steuben County Jail shows success and promise for Steuben County communities.
Eighteen Steuben County jail inmates recently passed the GED after completing
months of tutoring. This has been made possible by a collaborative effort between the
Steuben County Literacy Coalition, Steuben County Sheriff's Department, Steuben
County Jail Ministry and Steuben County United Way.
While researching community needs, Steuben County United Way became
aware of a need to establish and fund a GED program at Steuben County Jail. Fixed
costs include books, materials, pre-testing, the GED test and test administration. A
group of volunteer tutors were recruited which stretched funding to allow more inmate
participation.
The INvest1213 GED committee consists of community partners including the
Steuben County United Way, Steuben County Literacy Coalition, Steuben County
Sheriff's Department, Steuben County Jail Ministry, and Four County Area Cooperative.
Tutors include Chet Pinkham, Steve Grill, Sharon Mumma, Keith Greathouse, David
Syler, and Bobbi Grill. Collective knowledge in the volunteer group includes doctorates,
masters degrees as well as undergraduate degrees in chemistry, education and
engineering. It isnt the level of education that has made this group so effective, but the
dedication and commitment to the program, said Grill. They believe our entire
community benefits. Use of volunteer tutors has freed funding dollars and increased
the number of inmates who could participate.
Inmates generally study over a five-month period, and meet with tutors, Sharon
Mumma and Keith Greathouse once a week to take classes. They work with the
inmates one-on-one and as a group. GED Diplomas are equivalent to a high school

diploma and will allow their recipients to pursue higher education or better jobs. Since
the success of the program, and the high success rate, the idea to make Ivy Tech
classes available to inmates has been considered.
As word is spreading about the program and the success of the program, more
inmates have expressed interest. While resources are still limited, they hope to grow the
program to help all inmates who express interest and are dedicated to receiving their
GED. "It is a tool to be more successful when you get out," said Oritz. That may be into
the community or on probation. That may also be by continuing their education at a
post-secondary institution.
This program was made possible by the INvest 1213 Grant, a new United Way
Grant Opportunity that supports community investment for the common good. "Each
United Way can access grant funds equal to 10% of the annual campaign and use it
with the purpose of creating strong collaborations addressing the common good in their
community," said Bobbi Grill, Steuben County United Way Executive Director.
This grant program builds on the success of previous grant programs and
provides IaUW members the opportunity to connect annual campaigns to focused
community investments. Locally generated funds are discretionary, but the grant funds
must support work in education, income, or health.
The Indiana Association of United Ways worked with members to design the
INvest1213 grant program drawing on traditional strength that could meet the rigors of
program review by Lilly Endowment. The grant program includes elements members
requested, Frick said. Support from Lilly Endowment created this opportunity for
United Ways and Funds in Indiana to increase local giving and pursue community
results.
It has been proved that attaining a GED had a positive impact on recidivism
rates. The community reach is far greater than the individual receiving the GED; it
involves family, employability, and future. "The GED program gives the inmates an
opportunity to prepare for reintroduction into society with an increased likelihood of
success," said Sheriff Tim Troyer. "Having a partnership with Steuben County United

Way and Steuben County Literacy Coalition has made this entire project a success."
With the eighteen out of eighteen success rate this program has had so far, it's clear the
program will continue to help inmates and local communities for quite some time.