Pound Pup Legacy

Unique Programs

• Canine Companions for Independence Program began in February 1999. The program is unique because HCF is the only male institution in the United States to raise these puppies. During the puppy's stay at the facility, approximately one year, he/she is trained in the 28 commands using a training tool called a halti or gentle leader. The halti guides the puppies in their training while requiring very little effort to gain the attention of the canine. This is especially helpful to people with disabilities that have limited strength. After a year of training at the institution, the dogs are returned to Canine Companions where they complete advanced training before being placed with an individual with a disability.
• The Aerobic Exercise Program at the Hocking Correctional Facility consists of three levels of aerobic exercise; chair, intermediate, and advanced. The different levels of exercise allow inmates with different levels of physical ability to participate. Before the inmates can move onto the next level, the inmates must be evaluated by the Medical Department, which recommends the advance treatment. Aerobic Exercise Programs are offered at 5:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.
• Action, Communication & Tolerance (ACT): Open to all inmates, this program assists inmates in evaluating their behavior and how their behavior impacted to commission of their crime. The program assists the inmates in taking responsibility for their actions and understanding the impact of their crime, not only themselves and their victims, but also on their families and the community as well.  

Inmate Programs

• Highway litter pickup for the Ohio Department of Transportation
• Ohio State Patrol grounds keeping
• Nelsonville City Schools grounds keeping
• Athens County Fairgrounds grounds keeping
• Trimble Local Schools grounds keeping
• Canine Companions
• Pound Rescue of Athens
• Basket making for Habitat for Humanity
• Crayons to Computers

• Building Maintenance
• Apprenticeship
• Vocational Horticulture
• Animal Trainer - Apprenticeship

• Pre-GED
• GED
• Hocking College
• Literacy program