Nebraska CDL program for felons creates the path to success

LINCOLN, Neb. (KOLN) – For people who have spent time behind bars, life after their sentence can seem daunting. One program is trying to make that transition easier and keep them out of jail, starting behind the wheel.

Since launching the pilot program in March, Hill Brother’s Pro-Fleet CDL Driving Academy has been providing CDL training to people in custody. It is a program that not only gives graduates a CDL license, but also creates more opportunities for them as they reintegrate into society.

“I thought that since I was a felon, I was limited to just being a warehouse worker or a cook somewhere,” said Edward Cheney, a Pro-Fleet graduate. “And then this came along, and they picked me and it surprised me. I didn’t know what to think at first. I thought they were joking with me, but it happened and it’s a blessing.”

In May, 10/11 brought you the story when the first round of graduates from the Pro-Fleet program received their CDL certification. That story inspired a Lincoln company to get involved in the program.

“We knew we wanted to be part of it,” says Tony Dutter, director of recruitment at Uribe Refuse.

It’s been six months since that graduation. Since then, 14 people have completed the program.

“Not only do we want to help them obtain a CDL, but we also want to ensure they are employable upon graduation,” said Mitch Evans PhD, executive director of Pro Fleet. “They come to a company like Uribe Refuse with that Class A CDL, and now they’re making $23 an hour with overtime after age 40. It’s a difference of $25 to $35,000 a year, and that’s life-changing.”

So far, Uribe has hired six of the graduates.

“They are some of our best employees. They have some of the best attitudes. They have one of the best work ethics,” Dutter said.

One of those graduates who became a Uribe employee is Laura Rausch-Anderson. As her release date approaches after five and a half years of incarceration, Rausch-Anderson said she started thinking about what she would do next.

“I didn’t really have a career to look forward to. I had things I could do, but nothing that would open as many doors as Pro-Fleet,” Rausch-Anderson said.

Rausch-Anderson graduated with her CDL three months ago and has been working at Uribe on work release since then.

Destiny Miller has a similar story. As her parole approaches next summer, she says Pro-Fleet has given her much more than just a job.

“I have a lot more self-esteem and value as a person, and it was a really great experience to be able to build my confidence and my skills,” Miller said.

Pro-Fleet said that since the launch of the pilot program, they are now teaching their third cohort, with the fourth starting in two weeks.

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