The J. Reuben Long Detention Center recently moved inmates into a new housing unit designed for women participating in the jail’s recovery program.

There are about 30 inmates in the center’s recovery program and the new housing unit can accommodate up to 64. Some of the prisoners are pre-trial, while others have already been sentenced.

“They have a choice to come in and just sit here and do their time, or they can make a choice that they want help,” said Kimberly Watts, a peer-support specialist with the Horry County Sheriff’s Office.

Watts earned her certification while incarcerated in March 2019.