Soon-to-be released inmates learn how to communicate effectively

A dozen of the detainees at the Prince William-Manassas Regional Adult Detention Center (ADC - jail) recently completed the “Speak to Me: Re-Entry” Public Speaking Workshop.” This new program is designed to reduce recidivism by empowering inmates with the communication skills that are essential for personal and professional success. 

In collaboration with the Office of Community Safety, the ADC launched this workshop for its inmates. Through structured storytelling techniques, participants learned how to build confidence, actively listen and articulate their stories with intent and purpose—“skills that support reintegration and positive community engagement,” a news release said. 

“The six-week course was aimed at developing credible messengers by empowering participants to tell their stories authentically… in social settings, job interviews and public forums,.” the news release said.

Kimberly Sparkes, from the Office of Community Safety, described the workshop as a passion project with significant community impact. 

“It’s incredibly rewarding to witness the transformation of our re-entry community as they gain confidence and new perspectives on their journey. We all have a role to play in supporting them because they are the credible messengers who can inspire and uplift those often overlooked,” Sparkes said. 

Nick Baskerville, who coaches the workshop, emphasizes the value of storytelling as a powerful tool for connection. 

“My mission for the class was to teach [participants] how to use storytelling as a tool to interact and connect with people,” Baskerville said. “I also hope the attendees understand the importance of their story and their perspective.” 

Baskerville went on to say that effective communication can help people in their everyday lives. 

“I think communication also alleviates a lot of misunderstandings and problems. There are a lot of things that can be fixed with a simple conversation,” he said. 

One of the workshop participants said he became more self-assured from what he learned during the six-week class. He also learned to be genuine in his storytelling. 

“I got the structure of telling a story, and that was good because it gave me confidence to get in front of a crowd to tell a story, to be honest and tell a truthful story. It’s beneficial to stand up and be bold,” he said. 

Another workshop participant, who said he had been in jail for most of the last 40 years, said his perspective entered his storytelling in other ways. 

“This class helped me push myself even at this late stage of my life. Even though I feel like I’m a dinosaur, I still have something to give,” he said. 

Capt. Allen West II from the ADC stressed the critical role of communication in re-entry success. 

“We want them to be able to have that voice where they will be able to get that interview for that job, be hired for that job and potentially make a career for themselves,” West said. “This is just to give them those tools to be successful, because communication is one of the most essential tools that we need.”

With participants scheduled for release soon, the communication tools gained from the class aim to help them transition successfully, navigate new challenges, and build meaningful lives in the community.

To learn more, visit the Adult Detention Center at pwcva.gov/adc and the Office of Community Safety at pwcva.gov/ocs.