Programs at Pottawattamie County Jail Spotlighted with Community Star Recognition

Posted September 9, 2025
Posted by Sheriff's Office and Public Relations

On September 8, Corporal Tony Rubek of the Pottawattamie County Sheriff’s Office was recognized with a Community Star Award by Heartland Family Service’s Prevention Means Progress initiative. The award, presented by Christy Hagan of Heartland Family Service, honors individuals making a positive impact through prevention and rehabilitation work in the community. 

While Corporal Rubek was the award recipient, he emphasizes that the recognition reflects the programs, partnerships, and volunteers at the Pottawattamie County Jail that provide inmates with meaningful opportunities for change and reintegration. 

Re-entry programs are a cornerstone of rehabilitation. With the average length of stay at the Pottawattamie County Jail at just 27 days, long-term education initiatives such as GED programs aren’t feasible. Instead, the Programs and Training Unit, including Corporal Rubek and Sergeant Megan Leggett, focuses on equipping inmates with tools, knowledge, and support that can immediately help them make better choices when they return to the community. 

“It’s about people and people, not inmates and officers,” Corporal Rubek explains. “Our goal is to give them the opportunity to change, to set them up for success and hopefully keep them from coming back.” 

The programs offered at the jail are volunteer-driven and rely heavily on community partnerships and support. Highlights include: 

• Faith-based support: Good News Global and their two Chaplains oversee daily Bible studies and religious programming, supported by volunteers, including one of whom has faithfully volunteered for 35 years. 

• Substance abuse education: Heartland Family Service leads Addictions 101, a class that teaches inmates the effects of drugs on the brain while reinforcing their sense of purpose and self-worth. 

• Mental health & wellbeing: Partnerships with NAMI educate inmates on how to advocate for their own mental health, as well as Flatwater Collective, who facilitates mindfulness and meditation programming. 

• Recovery support: Full Circle Recovery offers “All Recovery” sessions and peer support groups, with plans to expand post-release coaching. 

• Life skills: Heartland Family Service facilitates classes on financial literacy, domestic violence, and healthy relationships to provide practical skills for daily life after release. 

• Education and job readiness: Iowa Western Community College staff share opportunities for continuing education, while the jail’s work release program can incorporate opportunities for certifications in areas like welding. 

Investing in people while they are incarcerated is an investment in the entire community. By equipping inmates with tools for healthier decision-making, stronger relationships, and real-world skills, the programs aim to reduce recidivism and support individuals in becoming more fully integrated back into society. The mindset is simple: help those inside find a way forward so they don’t return after release. 

Corporal Rubek has served with the Pottawattamie County Sheriff’s Office since 1999, spending 18 years in housing units before transitioning to the Programs and Training Unit, where he has worked for nearly nine years. He also serves as a liaison with the Fourth Judicial District Drug Court and is a board member with Full Circle Recovery. The Community Star Award highlights not just his dedication, but also the positive direction of inmate programming at the jail. 

“Programming is a critical piece of our facility’s mission,” adds Trish Bernhards, Jail Administrator. “By addressing these needs, we can provide tools that help individuals succeed after release. Even one skill, one resource, or one positive connection can make the difference in whether someone returns to jail or reintegrates into the community. These efforts wouldn’t be possible without the dedication of our staff, volunteers and community partners.” 

The Pottawattamie County Jail continues to adapt to meet the needs of today’s inmate population. The Programs and Training Unit is working to create opportunities that support change, reduce recidivism, and strengthen community connections. 

If you’re interested in being part of this important work, the Pottawattamie County Jail is looking for additional quality inmate programs as well as volunteers to help support these efforts. Inmate programming and volunteering offers the opportunity to serve your community, support rehabilitation efforts, and make a difference every day. Call 712-890-2250 for more information.  

We also encourage you to regularly check the Jobs page on the county website for future job openings within the Jail and Sheriff's Office.