Business Spotlight: Oregon Corrections Enterprises (OCE) - How OCE Transforms Lives and Strengthens Communities

At first glance, many people might not think of a prison as a place of opportunity. Yet, for thousands of Oregonians, Oregon Corrections Enterprises (OCE) has become a vehicle for growth, transformation, and second chances. Headquartered in Salem, OCE operates as a self-sustaining organization in partnership with the Oregon Department of Corrections, providing adults in custody (AICs) with meaningful work experience and training that prepares them for a successful reentry into the community.

A Mission Rooted in Transformation

The mission of OCE is clear: to promote public safety by providing adults in custody with work and training opportunities in a self-sustaining organization. This mission reflects more than just workplace training; it represents a philosophy of hope and opportunity.

Correctional industries in Oregon date back over 160 years, originally focusing on producing goods for internal use. By 1999, after voters approved Ballot Measure 68, OCE became a semi-independent state agency funded entirely by the sale of its products and services, not taxpayer dollars. This self-sustaining model has allowed OCE to operate like a private-sector business while staying committed to social impact and rehabilitation.

Teamwork in metal manufacturing

Reasons to Reach Out to Oregon Corrections Enterprises

OCE offers a broad range of products and services that reflect both quality craftsmanship and community purpose. Here are just some of the ways they serve Oregon:

• Manufacturing – furniture, metal fabrication, and other industrial products.
• Digital – multimedia design, marketing, clerical, and business operations training.
• Service – large-scale commercial laundry and other service-based industries.
• Trades – training in construction support, logistics, and inventory management.
• Reentry Programs – mentorship, job readiness, and real-world skills to ensure long-term success after release.
• Prison Blues – a unique clothing line designed and produced by OCE, known for durability and quality.

By purchasing OCE products or contracting for their services, businesses and organizations not only gain access to reliable, cost-effective solutions, but also directly support a program that reduces recidivism and strengthens Oregon communities.

Building Communities Through Opportunity

What sets OCE apart is its commitment to being more than a workplace. Participation in OCE programs is voluntary, with each AIC required to apply, interview, and demonstrate readiness. Once hired, participants receive hands-on training in technical fields and transferable workplace skills like teamwork, responsibility, and accountability.

Nearly half of OCE’s 1,400 participants work daily on computers, gaining real-world experience in digital systems and modern workforce practices. Promotions, raises, and leadership roles are part of the structure, empowering participants to mentor peers and envision a future outside prison walls. These efforts contribute directly to safer communities by equipping people with the tools they need to succeed after release.

Independence life jacket kiosk – OCE built the kiosks and donated one to the city

Stories of Success

OCE regularly shares stories of individuals who have transformed their lives through these programs. One such story is that of Michael Hale, who described his incarceration as the beginning of a new journey. For Hale, OCE provided not just a job, but a foundation for leadership and self-reinvention, a powerful example of how meaningful opportunities can spark new beginnings.

A Lasting Impact

For local businesses, nonprofits, schools, and government agencies, partnering with OCE means more than securing high-quality products and services. It means contributing to a mission that supports rehabilitation, reduces recidivism, and strengthens Oregon’s workforce.

OCE project for the City of Silverton

At its heart, Oregon Corrections Enterprises is about transformation, turning challenges into opportunities and providing the skills, confidence, and hope that lead to stronger communities.

Location: 3691 State St., Salem, OR 97301
Phone: 503-428-5500 | Toll-Free: 800-776-7712
Website: www.oce.oregon.gov

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