Having the opportunity to work Aqua Chill through the ACI Inmate Labor program has been a tremendous opportunity for me. It has not only given me the means to support myself financially and not be a burden on my family while incarcerated, but also to keep up with my professional skills. I have been with Aqua Chill for four years this May and I have been able to gain new skills I did not know that I was capable of. I had previous experience in marketing, but never in telemarketing. I never thought that working in sales/telemarketing was possible and it was a huge undertaking for me to take a step in that direction. Aqua Chill gave me the tools and skills needed to be successful in that new adventure and to carry on those skills to the Aqua Chill Corporate Office once I am released. I have learned a lot about myself and my abilities that I otherwise would have never known.

Within the four years here at Aqua Chill I have been the Team Lead for a little over two years. I have been able to teach the new skills I have gained to others as the Team Lead for the call center. Being able to pass on the encouragement and knowledge to new hires has been important for me. Watching and helping others grown into their new skill set gives me a chance to pay it forward.

If it were not for the opportunities provided by ACI I fear my computer literacy and professional skills that I had before coming to prison would have been lost over time. It has afforded me the ability to retain those skills and build upon them. The professional work place environment provided by ACI has made me feel productive and positive about my experiences while incarcerated. It has given me the confidence to return to the work force and be a productive member of society.