Cobb County Sheriff’s Office and community partners pose before cutting the ribbon at the grand opening of the GED Training Center in the Adult Detention Center (ADC).

Cobb County Sheriff's Office Unveils GED Training Center, Empowering Detainees with Education Opportunities

The Cobb County Sheriff's Office proudly unveiled its inaugural GED Training Center within the Adult Detention Center. Opened on Wednesday, March 20, the Center symbolizes Sheriff Owens’ commitment to empowering individuals through education, offering onsite testing in a familiar environment. A cohort of 32 detainees will be part of the first class of test-takers.

Launched under The ReAlign ReStart Program in July 2022, the GED initiative addresses the pressing need for detainees to acquire employable skills, enhancing their prospects for successful reintegration into the workforce upon release. Jennifer White, a detainee, received an exciting update at the ribbon-cutting: she has successfully completed 75% of the required GED testing, demonstrating significant progress in the program.

"I am truly grateful for this opportunity! I literally did it," White said at the event. "I’m truly an example of not letting setbacks stop you from going for your goals.”.

The GED Training Center grand opening reflects the collaborative efforts of various organizations, including CobbWorks, Construction Ready, Building Trades, the Cobb County School District, and Chattahoochee Technical College, united in their mission to enhance detainees' employment opportunities and financial stability post-release. The opening of the GED Training Center marks a pivotal moment in the Sheriff's Office's dedication to rehabilitation and successful reintegration efforts, emphasizing the transformative power of education. 

The ribbon-cutting ceremony was attended by the Cobb Sheriff’s Foundation, the Delta Upsilon Boulé, and other Cobb community stakeholders committed to advancing educational opportunities for detainees seeking a brighter future.

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Photo Credit: The Cobb County Sheriff’s Office

For more information on the Cobb County Sheriff’s Office:
https://www.cobbsheriff.org

For more pictures and video of the grand opening of the GED Training Center, use the link below:

Photos

::Courtesy of the Cobb County Sheriff’s Office::

Sheriff Craig Owens, Sr. cuts the red ribbon while members of the Delta Upsilon Boulé and other community partners look on at the grand opening of the GED Training Center.

Jennifer White is filled with excitement after learning she passed all three of her GED exams at the GED Training Center Grand Opening.
Pictured left to right: Jennifer White (detainee), Joanna Fuller (detainee) and Cindy Miller (Chief GED Examiner, Cobb County School District).

Sheriff Craig Owens, Sr. (center), Capt. Yaminah Holt (right of Owens), Chief of Staff David Jones (behind Capt. Holt), and members of Delta Upsilon Boulé pose for pictures at the grand opening of the GED Training Center.

Sheriff Craig Owens, Sr., along with Chief Deputy Rhonda Anderson (pictured left) and Asst. Chief Deputy Gina Hawkins (pictured right) welcome attendees to the grand opening of the GED Training Center.

Chief Deputy Anderson and detainee Jennifer White share a heartwarming moment at the grand opening of the GED Training Center.

Col. Michael A. Williams (ADC Jail Commander) and Mr. Robert Haley (Founder/CEO of Cobb Sheriff’s Foundation) are all smiles at the grand opening of the GED Training Center.

Cobb community members take pictures with detainees enrolled in the GED program.
Pictured left to right: Cindy Miller (chief GED examiner, Cobb County School District), Jennifer White (detainee), Joanna Fuller (detainee), Mr. Lekendreon Neal (coordinator, Cobb County School District), Dr. Patricia Procope-Benjamin (GED program testing manager).

Members of Cobb County Sheriff’s Office command staff show off their “Rosie the Riveter” pose at the GED Training Center grand opening.
Pictured left to right: Lt. Col. Rebekah Westenberger, Capt. Amie Garrett, Major Stacey Bains, and Asst. Chief Gina Hawkins

Pictured left to right: Chief Deputy Rhonda Anderson, Dr. Ben Williams (Cobb SCLC), Asst. Chief Deputy Gina Hawkins and Sally Riddle (Cobb Coalition for Public Safety) pose for a photo after the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Dr. Ehsan Kattoula, standing, (assistant superintendent, Accountability Division, Cobb County School District) talks with other community partners.

GED program detainees Jennifer White, Joanna Fuller and Lt. Col. Rebekah Westenberger (ADC) express their excitement with happy smiles at the grand opening of the GED Training Center.