TYLER, Texas (KLTV) – Smith County is providing life skills classes to people serving time in prison.

Diana Turner, a retired educator, has been teaching inmates how to sew for the past seven months.

“They’re anxious,” Turner says. “They want to learn.”

In January, a program to teach sewing to female inmates was started as a suggestion to the Smith County Jail. Four months later, two sewing machines were purchased and Diana Turner volunteered to teach the inmates.

“Instead of just being behind bars,” says Smith County Chief Deputy Gary Pinkerton. “It will benefit them when they return to society. Maybe they will find work because they have training in sewing.”

Since the program’s inception, 15 inmates have participated, learning a valuable skill that could facilitate their reintegration into society.

The program also benefits the county by saving costs on uniform repairs.

“It’s a savings for us when inmates who can come fix uniforms that need repair, mend blankets, mend teachers’ blankets,” says Deputy Chief Pinkerton. “So it’s beneficial, it’s a savings for the county.” to the taxpayer by having part of this program.”

Tuner says she is excited to see where the program goes as she uses her passion for teaching for others.

“These women here are just like everyone else, except they made a mistake,” Turner says. “And they are trying to overcome that mistake, improve their lives and become better citizens.”

The Smith County Jail is planning to expand its facilities to provide a variety of life skills program opportunities to its inmates.

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