Alternatives to Incarceration (ATI) Grant
Goal: Preparing Incarcerated Individuals for Re-entry into the Community and Workforce.

The ATI Program Staff teaches clients:
  • Thinking for a Change (NIC) and
  • Ready, Set, Work! (DCJS)

This curriculum helps prepare ex-offenders by changing their mindsets through cognitive behavior therapy and providing employment skills in the correctional facility.

The ATI program also helps clients: obtain needed documents for employment and provide follow up services to offer support and links to further education and to assist with employment retention.

The program is housed at the Oneida County Correctional Facility.
Meet ATI Case Manager Patricia Frazier
"The Alternative to Incarceration (ATI) is a 12-month project funded by the National Institute of Corrections, administrated by the Workforce Development Board at the Oneida County Correctional Facility. The ATI program offers workshop sessions in “Thinking for a Change” (NIC), “Ready, Set, Work” (DCJS) and Interactive Journaling – IJ the “Courage to Change” Curriculum. The classes are designed to help prepare offenders by changing their mindset through (CBI) Cognitive Behavior Intervention and providing employment skills in both the jail facility and the community. The ATI staff can assist recently released offenders with job readiness skills, resume, interviewing skills, getting their documents (birth certificates, social security cards, GED certificate, and government identification) and other supportive services.

"Even with the COVID-19 Pandemic, our program’s goals for each participant are to work to improve their life skills, literacy, education and employment. We are here to assist and encourage offenders to work on their housing needs, Social Services assistance, Substance abuse treatment, Mental Health treatment, other treatment, assistance and referral for support systems along with other community agencies referrals. We assist with employment opportunities, training enrollment in various education opportunities such as high school equivalency, certificate training programs and or college. Improving their education and or updating their skills will increase their employment prospects and increase their self–esteem. 

"ATI staff works with other grants within the Workforce Development Board that can offer assistance for our offenders. We want our Ex-offenders to be successful and to reduce recidivism. Second chances is what our clients are searching for, we work to encourage them to work and seek positive ways of being professional on working on that second chance. It will not be easy, but hard work will result in a better life.

"Re-Entry with goals and a plan in place is what we encourage. Whatever is needed we are here to assist."

Community Office: (315) 798-5016
In-Facility: (315) 765-2615
Meet ATI Case Manager Christina Spagnuolo
"Cognitive based classes are taught to the inmates including Thinking for a Change and Interactive journaling. Both classes look at ways individuals can begin to change the way they think, which in turn leads to them to change their behavior and how they react to situations in a positive manner. We discuss social skills, cognitive self-change, and problem solving skills in both classes. While we are working with individuals we are also working on a transitional plan for when they are released, which can include referrals for housing, education, drug treatment, mental health and job skills along with anything else that may help their transition to the community easier.

"The ATI program is essential to the re-entry process within our community. It is important that those who have been recently incarcerated have the skills and tools to become productive members of our society upon release. This program gives them a second chance at working towards their goals and becoming more confident in who they are and what they are capable of achieving. It is important that they know that their past does not define who they are. They can be successful and can move forward in a positive direction. Everyone deserves a second chance!”

Community Office: 315-798-5016
Oneida County Jail Office Number: 315-765-2615
For more information, please contact:
WDB/HMO