“I like to tell other justice-impacted people where I work that you can do this, you can have a normal life with a little support,” said Todd Bedgood, Corrections Oversight Worker, or kitchen supervisor, at Kane County Jail. “My favorite part of my job is working with the trustees [incarcerated individuals in the kitchen], offering advice, inspiration, and motivation. I like to share the benefits of IN2WORK (I2W).”
Teamwork is a theme that Bedgood comes back to time and time again. When he is serving nearly 400 people a day, he relies on a team. As a graduate of the I2W program, at the very facility where he served time, he knows what success that path with team can bring.
Bedgood graduated from the I2W program—a path to nationally recognized educational certificates in food service and retail—at Kane County Jail in October 2021 and started working there just a week after his release in January 2022. He explains that the circumstances were unusual because a typical path to employment doesn’t involve working in the facility where you were incarcerated.
“I asked Julie, who ran the I2W program, if I could continue on and work there. She said that she would have to talk to the Sheriff Hain about it, and about a week later, I received approval,” said Bedgood. “I really look up to her.”
“He’s doing great,” said Julie Rasmuson, Director of Food Services at Kane County Jail. “Todd’s organizational skills are a valued asset to our team.”
Bedgood appreciates the dedication to second chances—and his second chance: “Sheriff Hain is committed to restorative justice, and I couldn’t have done it without Aramark. So many people just need an opportunity and there are not many companies who are willing to take a chance.”
Food service was a natural fit for Bedgood, who grew up in hospitality working for his mother—who had a catering business—before moving on to jobs in the hotel industry or as a line cook. Eventually he had his own mobile truck washing business, but it was a solitary endeavor. Heading back to the kitchen with IN2WORK gave him an opportunity to connect with others, to feel hope.
Bedgood remarked, “Employment post-release was a big step for me, especially with my background. Before, I had a feeling of not being normal and not fitting in. Being part of a team helped me with feelings of isolation. This opportunity made me feel like giving back.”
For now, Bedgood plans to keep encouraging the justice-impacted men at Kane County to take advantage of the I2W programming as well as other vocational help and counseling that are available. Eventually, once he finishes parole, he is hoping to move to Florida and perhaps into stadium kitchens.
“I am always looking to network, and I know that Aramark has many opportunities.”
