Dress for Success, LCCC partner to offer ServSafe certifications to inmates at LCCF
Dress for Success Luzerne County entered into a partnership with Luzerne County Community College to offer ServSafe Managers Certifications to inmates incarcerated at Luzerne County Correctional Facility.*
Upon passing the 90-question test, individuals became qualified to work in the food service industry at a management level.
"It occurred to me that during the pandemic, food service workers became a vital part of the workforce and restaurants were desperate for help," said Linda Loop, founder/CEO of Dress for Success Luzerne County. "While conducting our bi-weekly workshops in LCCF, I saw a way to fill the need of restaurants while helping our fellow citizens gain employment in a field that many have previously worked in or have an interest in pursuing. We were inspired by Myesha, a woman we worked with over the past two years, who traveled from the jail to Edwardsville to the job she worked while on work release and knew that an opportunity like this could change her life."
Loop went on to explain that certification programs are typically offered at state correctional facilities, but rarely at county jails.
Loop said Dress for Success Luzerne County as well as Luzerne County Community College serves our local population, so she felt offering a program like this at the County Correctional Facility made sense.
Loop said Dress for Success Luzerne County created an application for interested inmates. Questions such as "What do you like about working in the food service industry" and "Are you willing to work nights and weekends?" appeared on the application.
Councilors at Luzerne County Correctional Facility selected the participants based on release date and interest in this the food industry.
To help facilitate the partnership, Cathy O'Donnell, board member of Dress for Success Luzerne County and Luzerne County Community College said, "As a mutual board member, I am so gratified to have been able to bring together these two amazing organizations and be a small part in their joint effort to provide real opportunity for people in need of a chance for change."
"The collaboration between Dress for Success, LCCC, and the division of corrections to bring ServSafe Managers training to the inmates at LCCF is another positive step in reducing recidivism and promoting reintegration into our communities for the participants." said Jim Wilbur, director of Luzerne County Correctional Facility.
"Luzerne County Community College is a proud partner with Dress for Success in developing empowering new career pathways for individuals who may be struggling in our community," said John Yudichak, president of Luzerne County Community College. "Luzerne County Community College is driving innovative workforce development partnerships, like the Dress for Success ServSafe Program, to serve regional businesses, governments, and nonprofit organizations in meeting the workforce demands of northeastern Pennsylvania."
? On Wednesday, July 9, 2025, 10 women and 9 men received textbooks created by the National Restaurant Association during orientation sessions.
? On Tuesday, July 29, review sessions began and over three days were led by Chef Sal Shandra of Luzerne County Community College.
? Tests were administered to 14 individuals on Monday, Aug. 4.
? On Aug. 8, The National Restaurant Association reported that 100% of the individuals tested in that group passed and received their certification.
Upon release from LCCF, program, participants who gain employment in the food service industry will be provided with appropriate clothing needed to work in kitchens and other food service facilities.
Loop said Dress for Success Luzerne County is covering all program expenses from grants received for workforce development.
Loop said there was no fee incurred by the participants, the jail or the county.
About Dress for Success
Dress for Success is an international not-for-profit organization that empowers women to achieve economic independence by providing a network of support, professional attire, and the development tools to help women thrive in work and in life.
Since starting operations in 1997, Dress for Success has expanded to nearly 150 cities in 30 countries.
To date, Dress for Success has helped more than 2,500,000 women work towards self-sufficiency.
Since Dress for Success Luzerne County became operational in December of 2010, the program has reached over 3,000 economically challenged women from the area by providing clothing, job interview support and workforce guidance.
Dress for Success Luzerne County continues to create programs to enhance economic and social development, encouraging self-sufficiency through career development and employment retention.