FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions |
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| What is a Correctional Institution? |
 | A Correctional Institution is a prison. Oakhill Correctional Institution (OCI) is a minimum-security prison located in Oregon WI, about 10 miles south of Madison WI |
| Where is OCI located? How do I get there? |
| OCI is located in south-central Wisconsin, 10.5 miles south of Madison.
Driving Directions from Madison to OCI
Driving Directions from Milwaukee to OCI
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| What type of people are at OCI? |
| OCI is a male institution. The male inmates are diverse in every possible way. One cannot and should not generalize the men at OCI. Men at OCI are incarcerated for the full spectrum of crimes and are of various age, socioeconomic status, race, ethnicity, culture, education level, religion, and family structure. |
| What is security like at OCI? Is it safe? |
| OCI is a minimum-security prison with a medium-security fence. The men are free to walk around, and security knows of their whereabouts through sign-in procedures.
Community Connections volunteers have never felt unsafe and have a good relationship with security staff. The Family Center is located just across the hall from the school security office, and security staff is always aware of its surroundings. |
| What does OCI look like? |
| OCI is located in rural Oregon, WI. Oak trees line the long entrance to the institution. In the parking lot you will see a fence and the OCI administrative building, through which visitors and volunteers enter. The visiting center is located at the front of the administrative building. OCI was originally opened as the Wisconsin School for Girls in June 1941. It is listed as a historical site in the State Historical Society Register. Men are housed in units that look like stone cabins from the 1940’s. There is a greenhouse, outdoor recreation areas, a school, and areas for religious worship. All of Community Connections’ programs, with the exception of visiting room activities, are located in the school building. |
| If I volunteer with Community Connections, who will I be working with? |
| For volunteers working at OCI, most will work directly with the male inmates. Volunteers at the visiting center work with inmates, children, and other family members of inmates. Community Connections volunteers are always with at least one other Community Connections volunteer, and often more. Volunteers also work cooperatively with the OCI education director and security staff.
Volunteers who do not wish to work directly and primarily with the men at OCI usually work at home or in the community. These volunteer positions are more flexible and independent.
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| Do I need a background check to volunteer? Can I volunteer if I have a criminal / police record? |
| Individuals seeking to volunteer at OCI do have a criminal background check. Those with a criminal record must be off parole / probation for two years in order to gain admittance to the institution.
Individuals seeking to volunteer with Community Connections, but not in the institution do not have to complete a formal background check, but must fill out a volunteer application.
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| What is the time commitment for volunteers? How long is my commitment? One time? 6 weeks? A year? |
| The time commitment varies immensely and depends on individual volunteers’ availability, interest, and the volunteer position. Please see specific job descriptions for more specificity. |
| Are volunteer opportunities flexible |
| Volunteer opportunities are flexible. Opportunities are endless and Community Connections encourages volunteers to put their energy where their passion and expertise lies. Volunteers can work at OCI, at home, or in the community. The needs of the men at OCI and their families are endless, and volunteer opportunities reflect that need. |
| Do I need to go through a training program? When is training offered? |
| Training is required for volunteers at OCI. There is a 2-hour mandatory volunteer training through OCI. Instruction and guidance from Community Connections is offered at the beginning and throughout the volunteer experience. Volunteers also receive manuals with pertinent information from both Community Connections and OCI. |
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