First Inmate Graduates from Workforce Re-entry Program

Posted On: August 1, 2025

A room full of joyful inmates, staff, and family members recently gathered at the Volusia County Correctional Facility to celebrate a groundbreaking milestone. Daniel Dionne, just two days from release, had become the jail's first inmate to complete the ambitious Workforce Re-entry Program – earning his GED, completing a barbering academy, and earning a forklift certification and the FDOT construction flagger credential.

Remarkably, Dionne accomplished these achievements while maintaining his work duties in the jail's kitchen, demonstrating exceptional dedication to self-improvement.

"Daniel's commitment was extraordinary," said Re-entry Coordinator Christopher Lorenti. "He balanced multiple programs with his work responsibilities and never missed a class. Our entire staff is incredibly proud of what he's accomplished."

The Workforce Re-entry Program represents Volusia County's Division of Corrections' comprehensive approach to preparing individuals for successful community reintegration. The program provides technical training and certification in high-demand fields, including construction and concrete, OSHA, heavy equipment, commercial landscape maintenance, kitchen prep and safety, welding, barbering, and FDOT flagging.

Beyond technical skills, participants can study for their GED and receive crucial life skills training encompassing financial literacy, anger management, and job readiness preparation. Quarterly job fairs at the jail connect inmates directly with local employers, allowing them to submit applications and schedule interviews.

"This program is a game-changer for reducing recidivism in our community," said Volusia County Council Vice Chair Matt Reinhart, a former warden at the jail. "When we invest in giving people real skills and opportunities, we're not just helping individuals – we're making our entire community safer and stronger."

The re-entry program enjoys collaboration with vital community agencies and vendors that provide educational and trade skill training. The program's impact extends far beyond individual success stories. In 2024 alone, the Workforce Re-entry Program provided more than 3,194 different services to inmates.

Photo caption for photo at top: Pictured from left are Volusia County Council Vice Chair Matt Reinhart, Nancy Lacrosse of the Volusia Literacy Council, educators Debra Burchett and Karen Kuroly, Re-entry Specialist LeeAndra Chester, David Dionne, Re-entry Coordinator Christopher Lorenti, and Public Protection Director Randa Matusiak.