Two Bridges Regional Jail volunteers were the recipients of the 2012 Spirit of America Foundation Tribute for outstanding community service in Wiscasset. They were honored at a ceremony at the selectmen’s meeting Tuesday, Oct. 16.

In accepting the award, Program Officer Susan Sutter said, “We are lucky in this area to attract as many talented retires who are willing to give of their time to help those at Two Bridges. We are very thankful.”

Since the Two Bridges Regional jail opened there has been a program department that is managed by correctional officers. These programs are designed to meet the needs of offenders, and to give them skills to help them when they return to their communities.

Three years ago, the Program Department and Industries held a craft fair and it was decided to solicit volunteers to come and teach at the jail. According to Sutter, many people answered the call, and continue to serve as volunteers today. Not only do they still volunteer but they also brought their friends in the program, according to Sutter.

Many dedicated volunteers have given hours of their time to work with the offenders, on literacy, math, substance abuse, health, yoga and songwriting.

Some volunteers give an hour a week others give five hours a week. The volunteers come in and tutor inmates under the direction of the Wiscasset Adult Education to assist in CED preparation. There are approximately 30 volunteers at the facility.

The Spirit of America Foundation is a 501 (c) (3) public charity that was established in Augusta to encourage and promote volunteerism. The award is given for outstanding community service in each town every year.

Wiscasset awarded the Wiscasset Female Charitable Society as the recipient last year.

Charlotte Boynton can be reached at 844-4632 or cboynton@wiscassetneewspaper.com.