WILSONVILLE, Ore. (KOIN) — Studies show Oregon has one of the best prison systems in the country. It has the fewest number of re-offenders, in part due to its educational programs.
Coffee Creek Correctional Facility runs a cosmetology program that has a 100% graduation rate.
“They learn haircuts, color, perms, waxing, manicures and pedicures,” said longtime instructor Tammy Kennedy, who leads the 24-month-long class. Her students have never failed the State Board licensing exam.
“We study together, they study on their own,” says Kennedy. “We do a lot of homework and they do a really good job.”
Ryley Morgan didn’t aspire to be a cosmetologist. By 14, she was a drug and alcohol addict and this is her third time in prison.
“I was defeated and I was broken and I just knew this program was the only thing that would redeem and so, I didn’t really choose cosmetology, it chose me,” said Morgan.
Not only did Morgan recently graduate, the 37-year-old is training to be an instructor and has a job when she’s released in two years.
“I’m at a point in my life where that’s in the past and I’m just looking at the future,” said Morgan. Asked if she’ll ever return to prison, she answered quickly.
“Never, and I’ve never been able to say that.”
Only four of Kennedy’s students have returned to prison in the class’ 13-year history. And Oregon’s recidivism rate of 28% is one of the country’s lowest.
“It’s not just about the skills and capabilities, it’s about looking inside yourself and really overcoming some obstacles in your life,” Morgan said.
Coffee Creek may look like a prison on the outside, but on the inside, it’s helping these women find beauty within themselves.
The cosmetology space was recently renovated and prison officials used an education grant to expand the program to support 20 women instead of 10. They earn three certifications from the Oregon Health Authority’s Health Licensing Office.Inmate Terry Maez shares her personal story about how the cosmetology program is helping her