The Empowered Woman: Jenn Cronan

Jenn Cronan has dedicated the past 14 years to transforming lives within the corrections system. As the Offender Services Unit Manager and Coordinator of the Floyd Re-Entry Education & Discharge (F.R.E.E.D) program, she is leading efforts to reduce recidivism and create pathways for offenders to successfully re-enter society.

The mission of F.R.E.E.D is clear: increase public safety and reduce recidivism by providing positive opportunities for transition from jail to community. The program unfolds in two phases:

Phase 1: Every individual released from jail receives a resource packet filled with information to guide their re-entry journey.

Phase 2: Participants engage in targeted services, cognitive behavioral including therapy, restorative justice components, and individualized discharge planning sessions.

To participate, offenders must be sentenced to the program by a judge or enter through a waiver from the Department of Supervision. Upon Community successful completion, the judge’s office is notified, and the offender may be discharged from the program and released from jail if sentenced accordingly.

Jenn’s passion for helping inmates re-enter society is the driving force behind F.R.E.E.D’s success. The numbers speak for themselves: while the national recidivism rate hovers around 75%, only about 40% of F.R.E.E.D graduates return to the system.

“It’s all been worthwhile because I’ve gotten to see lives change before my eyes, and that’s incredible,” Jenn reflects.

Jenn’s journey began in the non-profit sector, where she partnered with work release inmates. Witnessing the success of that collaboration, she was inspired to do more. Her commitment eventually led to her recruitment into the prison system, where she established a re-entry initiative at the prison.

Jenn emphasizes that the program’s success is not hers alone. She credits the unwavering support of Sheriff’s Office leadership, Superior Court Judges, jail administrators, and her colleagues. Together, they have built a program that is truly comprehensive, offering everything from victim impact letters and therapy sessions to a clothing closet that ensures prepared for participants life are beyond incarceration.

As a wife, mother of three, and professional balancing a demanding career, Jenn knows the challenges women face in law enforcement and corrections. Her advice is straightforward: “You’ve got to be strong and make your presence known.” She also credits her faith as the foundation of her motivation and dedication to helping others.

Jenn Cronan’s work is a testament to the power of compassion and determination. Through the F.R.E.E.D program, she is not only changing lives but reshaping the future of re-entry in Floyd County.

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