Rebuilding Lives
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Help us reduce recidivism by providing more housing that is walking distance from employment and help us create a community that promotes active and healthy progress.
Aaron’s interview with St. Patrick’s Church
(RE)building-A Short Documentary
Reentry Program
For over 20 years Hickman’s has offered employment opportunities for individuals currently incarcerated and after incarceration. The goal has always been to help people gain skills and experience that will develop them into productive members of society. This is evident in the fact that over 50% of Hickman’s management team are ex-inmates who have turned their lives around and are invaluable assets to this family owned business. They lead by example and are major reason why Hickman’s is a leader in the egg industry.
This Reentry Program has served as a foundation for rebuilding lives that were once lost. Furthermore, the growing housing community consisting of 70+ individual apartments strategically placed on the farm, serve as a foundation for stable living and proximity to work. Housing, employment, and transportation are barriers that our community members no longer face. Each victory is a win for the individual, our company, and the community at large.
As an incentive for being a good neighbor and successfully transitioning out of our housing community at the one year mark, each occupant will be reimbursed in the amount of 50% of everything they paid into the program fee (rent). These funds have frequently been used to purchase a home or at the very least put a down payment on an apartment. Of course, continued employment is desired but we also take pride in knowing that most are ready and qualified to be employed outside of our company.
MEET AARON CHEATHAM
After receiving a Bachelor’s Degree from Southern Methodist University, Mr. Cheatham returned back home to Arizona. In 2013, he was sworn in as an officer for the Arizona Department of Corrections Rehibilitation & Reentry(ADCRR). Aaron served two years as a Correctional Officer, had a short stint as a Correctional Sergeant, and served two more years as a Parole Officer. After nearly five years with ADCRR, it became clear to him that his community could benefit from focusing efforts and resources towards returning citizens. Mr. Cheatham was given the opportunity to combine his experience in corrections and his desire to serve the community with a vision that the Hickman’s have been developing for years. For the past 3 years, Aaron has helped returning citizens obtain housing and employment all in one location, on Hickman’s Family Farms located in Buckeye, AZ. As the Reentry and Transition Manager for Hickman’s, Mr. Cheatham hopes to continue expanding the reach of the program and eliminate as many barriers to success while giving our returning community members the opportunity to flourish within the company.
Aaron Cheatham was born and raised in Phoenix, AZ where he still lives with his wife and 7 children.
Mr. Cheatham is available to speak to groups and classes. His contact information is above. For more information about Hickman’s Family Farms, visit the website at www.hickmanseggs.com.
Billy Hickman and Aaron Cheatham discuss the future of Reentry in Arizona.
Staying on the cutting edge of discussion at the Arizona State University Reentry Summit.
Former ADCRR Director Ryan and Hickman’s support rehabilitation and reentry.
Strategic Vision
Hickman’s residential housing architecture protected by Architectural Works Copyright Protection Act (AWCPA). Reproduction only available through Written Hickmans Ownership Approval.
Hickmans Family Farms strives to provide our staff with affordable housing by first recruiting labor nearest our farms. We understand there is a lack of affordable housing inventory throughout Maricopa County. We are excited to announce that plans are in place to offer temporary residential homes to afford our staff the ability to advance in their careers while they search for a permanent home. Being a good neighbor starts with the ability to live in a safe home.