Learn how the Arrowhead Correctional Center in Colorado is using tractor restoration to teach offenders new skills and assist in reducing the tax burden for running the facility.
CCi Vintage Tractor Restoration
The CCi Greenhouse provides job assignments for 99 offenders who participate in a Therapeutic Community at the Arrowhead Correctional Center. The TC program was implemented in 1993 to help offenders address a variety of substance abuse and behavioral health issues. Colorado Correctional Industries trains offenders in meaningful skills, work ethics, and quality standards which better enable them to secure long-term employment upon release.
As part of the CCi Greenhouse, we operate a vintage tractor restoration shop, which currently teaches 8 offenders how to assess and repair vintage tractors. This endeavor includes the restoration of customer tractors, as well as the purchase, restoration and sale of our own tractors. Depending on the level of restoration needed, the process can include: part overhaul or replacement, body work and/or fabrication of fiberglass paneling. Although offenders working in our Tractor Shop do not have a background in tractor restoration/repair, they generally have an aptitude in mechanical/vehicular operations and an interest in learning how this equipment operates. Due to the training and experience that our offenders receive throughout CCi, they have become skilled in a variety of trades including: mechanics, painting and fiberglass fabrication, and we maintain complete customer satisfaction in our work.
CCi programs like the Tractor Restoration shop assist in reducing the Colorado tax burden, contribute to our communities, and provide offenders with life skills necessary for a successful reentry.
Wade