For the first time, an alliance between the UR Beauty and Barber Academy and the Highlands County Sheriff’s Office Detention Center is transforming the future for seven individuals who, through education, are seeking to secure real opportunities as they reintegrate into the community.
On May 1, a graduation ceremony was held for the first cohort of participants in the G.O.A.L.S. (Giving Offenders Adaptive Life Skills) program. This program, launched in 2019 as an initiative to reintegrate and establish inmates to reduce recidivism, focuses on providing individuals currently in custody with the tools and tangible opportunities necessary for successful reintegration.
“This program means the world to them because it’s the first time an academy like UR Beauty Barber Academy has come to our facility. We had to coordinate a few things to bring them in because we can’t just let anyone in with equipment, so we had to establish some parameters,” Highlands County Sheriff’s Office Reintegration Specialist, Coordinator and Communications Liaison Shirley Johnson said. “I put out a list to see who was interested, and we had over 40 people sign up to attend the academy. We still have people interested, and they’re waiting for the next academy class.”
“I used to work at the correctional facility, and during my time there, I realized just how many talented inmates there were — particularly in the area where a barbershop had been set up for their use. Sometimes, once you are released, it is incredibly difficult to find a job without prior experience. Furthermore, the Bible teaches that, regardless of the mistakes we make, God has forgiven us and clears the path for us to move forward,” said Jacquelyn Lockhart, founder of the UR Beauty and Barber Academy in Sebring.
This collaboration, which offers a second chance to those who participated, spanned seven long months. During this time, every participant completed the theory portion of the Facial Specialist program, thereby obtaining the professional license that enables them to work in the beauty industry.
“Thanks to the education we provide in collaboration with the county, as soon as they are released, they already have a professional license in hand. Many barbershops are currently hiring, and they can even rent their own station. Since 2012, I have always felt a deep passion for reaching out to — and connecting with — those whom others have likely forgotten,” Lockhart said.
According to Lockhart, the objective of this program goes beyond simply offering a second chance; it also boosts participants’ self-confidence, empowering them to build a better future.
“I was speaking with Shirley about this last year. She had always known that this was a passion of mine — something I truly wanted to do — so I began writing down my vision and making plans. Eventually, she called me and said, ‘I spoke with the Major, and he thinks this is going to be a great idea,’” Lockhart said.
The requirements to join the program are simple: stay out of trouble, be active in the beauty industry and possess passion. These criteria allow the organizers to verify that participants are disciplined and determined which are qualities that enable them to acquire the tools they need for this new chapter in their lives.
“This program provides opportunity, education and a second chance to change lives,” Lockhart said.
This partnership was made possible through the collaboration of community leaders and local officials, including Johnson, Sheriff Paul Blackman, Major Bobby Green, Deputy Robert Copeland and Sergeant Cyril Wright.
“When they leave here, they can start their own businesses, with their own prices. They must leave with the skills they need to do the job, so it’s extremely important for them. They were very excited about this class, this academy in particular. It’s great for me to see them going to their salons and knowing they can support their families, take care of themselves and get housing. They can do so much with this particular skill, so it’s important,” Johnson said.
Also instrumental was the team from UR Beauty and Barber Academy which included Kiva Lykes, director of administration and financial aid, and Gianna Valentin, educational director and full specialist instructor. Valentin took charge of guiding the academic component of the program and providing support to the participants.
According to Lockhart, plans are in place to continue participating in this program in the future, as GOALS looks ahead and plans to hold it every quarter, aiming to bring more diverse skills to the inmates.
“Success comes when you use a key, turn the lock, find the tools, and use them. We give them that so they can go out and be successful. There’s no reason why someone can’t be successful,” Johnson said.
UR Beauty Barber Academy aspires to reach Polk County and expand to every high school in the area, thereby continuing to provide training to as many people as need it. The GOALS program continues to create opportunities and strengthen the community through education by offering second chances.