>> they can ask whatever they want here. i'm not here to deter them or beat them down or tell them this is the end of your life. we have classes to help them learn mechanics, culinary classes and fresh start. we want to help them once they leave here on to whatever they're going to do once they leave. >> in 2004, the r.i.d.e. program was started to reduce the number of repeat offenders. >> we started a program called r.i.d.e. that stands for rikers island discharge enhancement. under the umbrella of r.i.d.e., we have a lot of components to help them with sobriety, housing and employment. we want to link them up while they're here doing their sentence, so when they get out, they go to meaningful jobs and have a place to stay. >> my sentence is a year. i've been here eight months. it has helped me because when i get out, i have something to fall back on. i want to stop using drugs, i have a drug program to go to, treatment plan. i'm going to continue school and stuff.