Work release is changing lives

Women's program started in January; male dorms almost always at capacity

Trenton Smiley went through a “rough spell” with drug addiction and criminal activity a few years ago. His broken lifestyle overwhelmed him so much that when he finally was convicted, he was ready to change.

“It just asked the judge to max me out,” said Smiley. “I was fed up with the way I was living.”

Smiley was sentenced to Howard County’s work release program on Sept. 20, 2020. Today, he is a new person.

“Work release has changed my life,” said Smiley. “With the help of the program, I got established at a job for two years. When I’m in here, they have guidelines and rules that help you prepare yourself for each day. It’s a great program for people in need of a change of lifestyle. Now I value the things that are worth the time and effort: family, religion, work, paying bills on time.”

The women’s work release dorm opened in January and is beginning to fill up.