Two Bridges Regional Jail

Wood Shop

The Industries Program at Two Bridges Regional Jail puts inmates’ time and creative talents to good use while incarcerated by producing small items for sale starting at $5 and up. Within

this program under the direction of Wood Shop Officer Bill Smith, a former vocational arts teacher, minimum security inmates are able to utilize their creative skills to construct and paint numerous items which are available for purchase here at the jail as well as some of the local area retail shops. Birdhouses, whirly gigs, cutting boards, planters, jigsaw puzzles, jewelry boxes, novelty mirrors, Adirondack chairs, ammunitions boxes, cradles and other items are available in our lobby. It is a self-sustaining program with profits used to purchase more materials and to support community service programs. Inmates are paid a small wage for their work, with a percentage going toward fines, restitution and room and board. Officer Naomi Bonang is the Industries Supervisor at TBRJ. “The program gives them self-esteem, keeps them busy and productive, and they earn a little money at the same time,” says Officer Bonang.

Crafts on display in the lobby.

Baby's Cradle.

If you are interested in learning more about the program or purchasing any of our items, please contact Officer Bonang at 882-2610.

Adirondack Chair

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THE GARDEN PROJECT

Two Bridges Regional Jail’s vegetable garden is winding down for the 2010 season. To date, we have donated 2,548 pounds of produce to 7 area food pantries. We still have potatoes and winter squash to harvest and hope to get close to 2 tons of vegetables this season! Approximately 14 Minimum Security, sentenced inmates have been a part of the project this year. They are excited about being part of the “garden crew”. Besides the fresh air and sunshine, in the words of one of theworkers, “In jail you don’t have any quiet space to think. The garden lets you do that.”

The workers know the importance of what they are doing and are happy to have the opportunity to give something back. Community Service is a vital part of the offender re-entry process. When people are incarcerated, they are totally disconnected from Society. Doing projects that help the community, helps them to stay connected and feel that they still have something worthwhile to contribute.

We are hoping to expand the garden again next year and have talked with members of the Sagadahoc Branch of MOFGA about the possibility of putting in berries and working on bringing the old apple orchard back to life.