JUST Class Descriptions

Addiction Education/12 Steps

Inmates are guided through the Living in Balance (Hazelden) curriculum to gain an understanding of addiction and to begin down the road to recovery.  Inmates complete assignments in between class meetings and receive feedback from a licensed clinical social worker, the JUST staff person who oversees the Substance Abuse program.

Advanced Bible Study

After completing an initial Bible study correspondence course, inmates proceed to a Bible class that is focused on teaching them Bible study methods. 

Al-Anon

Inmates who are the family members or loved ones of addicts come together for a support group, facilitated by outside Al-Anon members.

Alcoholics Anonymous

Inmates who struggle with alcoholism come together for a support group to help one another through the 12 steps, facilitated by outside AA members. 

Anger Management (English and Spanish)

Inmates are taken through a 12 week course on how to manage their anger, covering topics such as: grief, forgiveness, and conflict resolution.  Inmates who complete the course receive a certificate. 

Basic Computer Training

Inmates have the opportunity to learn the basics of using a computer, including keyboarding and word processing.  Inmates who complete the course receive a certificate. 

Bible Study (English and Spanish)

Inmates who are already Christians or who are exploring Christianity have the opportunity to study the Bible under the guidance of a Christian pastor or layperson. 

Bible Study Correspondence

Inmates are able to complete a Bible study series, studying the Bible on their own and writing answers to study questions.  Christian laypeople from area churches then review the inmates’ work and give them written feedback.

Book Club

Inmates select novels to read over the course of a month and get together to discuss their reading. 

Catholic Worship

Roman Catholic inmates and those exploring Catholicism are able to worship under the guidance of a Catholic layperson.  Many times, the worship service includes the Scripture readings for the following Sunday on the Church calendar.  Communion is often served.

Chaplaincy

Inmates requesting spiritual guidance or prayer support are able to meet one-on-one with a chaplain.  Religious questions and personal concerns are often topics of conversation.  Conversations are kept confidential.

Cocaine Anonymous

Inmates who are battling cocaine addiction come together for a support group, facilitated by outside CA members.

English as a Second Language

Inmates who do not have English as their first language can take an ESL class under the instruction of teachers from the College of DuPage.  Pre- and post-testing is done, so that when inmates move up a language level, they receive a certificate.

GED Preparation (awaiting staff for females)

Inmates can take a class to help them prepare for the GED.  When they feel ready to take the test, an outside GED proctor comes in to administer the exam. 

Improve Your Reading

Job Readiness (awaiting staff for females)

Inmates learn the basics of conducting a job search, including how to put together a resume and how to interview.  The instructor also helps inmates think through how to handle the reality of seeking employment as an ex-offender.  Inmates who complete the course receive a certificate. 

Muslim Worship

Muslim inmates and inmates who are exploring Islam have the opportunity to participate in Friday prayer time and Muslim classes, guided by outside Muslim laypeople.

Narcotics Anonymous

Inmates who are battling addiction to narcotics come together for a support group, facilitated by outside NA members.

One-on-one Counseling

Inmates who request one-on-one time are able to receive support and encouragement with regard to personal issues and questions.  Conversations are kept confidential.

Parenting

Inmates receive instruction on healthy parenting techniques using the Active Parenting Now curriculum for women, and the Malachi Dads curriculum for men.  Inmates who complete the course receive a certificate.

Protestant Worship

Protestant Christian inmates and those exploring Christianity have an opportunity to worship under the guidance of Christian pastors or laypeople.

Relapse Prevention

Inmates pursuing recovery are able to take a class on relapse prevention, processing their struggles with addiction and learning skills for avoiding relapse.  Inmates who complete the course receive a certificate.

Storybook Project

Inmates who want to reach out to the children in their families are able to select a children’s book to read onto tape.  The book and recording are then mailed to the child.  This project is led by volunteers from Companions Journeying Together, an organization which works to provide incarcerated parents with positive ways to connect with their children.

Substance Abuse Counseling

Inmates pursuing recovery are able to come together for group counseling under a licensed substance abuse counselor.