As an inmate repairs a cracked brick at the entrance of Calvary Cemetery in South Portland, a sense of accomplishment can be seen on his face. A task has been completed, and a chance to give back to society has not gone wasted.

It is a powerful scene and feeling on display at many locations affiliated with the Catholic Church throughout Greater Portland and beyond thanks to a partnership between the Cumberland County Sheriff ’s Office and the Diocese of Portland that to date is being described as a “win-win situation.”

“Our involvement with the Cumberland County Sheriff ’s Office Community Service program began about six years ago,” said Denis Lafreniere, business coordinator for the Portland Peninsula and Island Parishes. “They have assisted our churches with many, many projects including painting, landscaping, and even helping to set up for the St. Peter’s Italian Bazaar.”

The foundation for success was laid by Deputy Mary Sorrells, a longtime parishioner at St. Peter Parish in Portland, who reached out to Lafreniere to explore the possibility of having inmates perform various duties at local churches.

“I noticed we hadn’t done any work for them. My workers enjoy the interaction with the priests and the parishioners from the various churches in the area,” said Deputy Sorrells. “The program is a way that inmates can begin to integrate back into society. The workers are treated with the utmost respect and find dignity in the work that is being performed. At the same time, the diocese receives assistance with many projects.”

In addition to painting, general landscaping, and maintenance work at Portland parishes, the inmates have trimmed trees, helped dig, and prepared Christmas wreaths for plots at Calvary Cemetery; completed ground maintenance at Cheverus High School in Portland; raked the roofs and trimmed trees at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Windham; painted the exterior of St. Jude Church in Freeport; helped with landscaping at the St. Gregory Church campgrounds in Gray; and assisted at the Threads of Hope thrift stores operated by Catholic Charities Maine in Portland. The purchases and donations made at the store help support Catholic Charities Maine programs which serve over thousands of Maine residents annually.

“They help load and unload containers, drop off and pick up furniture, and do general cleaning at the store,” said Deputy Sorrells. “We are sending people seven days a week.”

In the last two years alone, inmates have worked over 10,000 hours for Catholic parishes and organizations, saving the recipients of the donated labor over $170,000.

“We’re so thankful that Sheriff (Kevin) Joyce is committed to this program,” said Lafreniere. “Even during challenging budget cycles, he has been fully supportive. Frankly, the program has enabled our parishes to complete many projects that we would not have been able to do otherwise.”

Program administrators have observed a noticeable improvement in the self-esteem and work ethic of the inmates, and those benefiting from their willingness to do so couldn’t be more grateful.

“The program has been such a blessing,” said Lafreniere. “A true blessing.”