Recently, thanks to some additions, more inmates will get the same chances as Atkins. Since May of 2009, inmates at Central Maryland Correctional Facility have been feeding, grooming and tending to the overall health of several retired Thoroughbred Horses through a partnership between DPSCS and Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation (TRF).  The program is one of a handful across the United States in which inmates to tend horses that might eventually be sent to slaughter and training those same inmates to become "Elite Grooms".  They learn overall equine care and other soft skills. 

Over the past year, under the new management of Judi Coyne, the program has made some significant growth, further enhancing the Departments Public Safety Works restorative Justice efforts.  The program recently received Job Skills Training Program (JSTP) certification from the Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation and added opportunities to give inmate participants the chance to practice real life job skills. 

Two more horses were added to the program this year making a total of six horses for the 8 inmate participants to use learned skills. Second Chances now has 6 new local volunteers who assist in weekend horse care needs like feeding and well checks.  State and community partners have also eased the burden by donating over 1,000 bales of hay and study books for program participants.