Educational and Support Programs at Spencer County Jail (GED, Substance Abuse, Mentoring)

Spencer County Jail offers three programs: a G.E.D. course, a Substance Abuse Program, and a Mentoring Program. If your loved one is wondering what they can do while inside, these are the options the jail highlights.

One person oversees both the education and recovery programming. Marva Statler, of the Lifetime Education Center in Rockport, directs the G.E.D. course and the Substance Abuse Program at Spencer County Jail. If your family member mentions

For many families, the G.E.D. course stands out as the most concrete next step - it leads to a specific outcome. Spencer County Jail describes it as giving any inmate the opportunity to obtain their high school diploma. That credential can open doors for work after release. It also provides a stabilizing routine while someone is still in custody.

The jail also offers a Mentoring Program, led by Lay Ministers Ron Conner and Whitney Ward. If your loved one is looking for guidance, encouragement, or structured support, this is the program - and those are the names - you'll likely hear about.

Families Next Steps

• ✓ Ask the jail’s corrections office how inmates sign up for the G.E.D., Substance Abuse, or Mentoring Program (enrollment is usually handled internally).
• ✓ Request the current schedule and any eligibility rules (program times and availability can change).
• ✓ Encourage your loved one to ask staff about participating, especially if they’re newly booked or have just moved housing.
• ✓ If your loved one is working on the G.E.D., talk with them about staying consistent with class time and assignments.
• ✓ If you’re trying to coordinate support on the outside (rides after release, treatment planning, job searching), tell the jail what you’re trying to do and ask what they can share within their rules.