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hourly12007-12-13T16:36:43ZKDOC Healthcare Checkup2024 Part 3
https://www.doc.ks.gov/kdoc-healthcare-checkup2024-part-3
An in-depth look at the healthcare of KDOC residents highlight the people, processes, and programs. In Part 3, two nurses and an activities specialist exude professionalism as they put the health of patients first and foremost. We're grateful for these three and all of our healthcare professionals who we consider as unsung heroes.We close out our 3-part series looking at the healthcare of residents within KDOC. In part 3, we highlight and salute the work of two nurses and an activities therapist who epitomize what it is to respect the patients within our facilities while preserving their dignity. Like the outside world, patients are placed in positions of vulnerability as they are prodded and questioned about personal details of their body functions by people they don’t know, and who really don’t know them. Yet, healthcare professionals within KDOC exude a professionalism that puts the overall health of the patient first and foremost. Narrated by Jennifer Brunenn, KDOC Education Coordinator
]]>No publisherDavid Thompson2024-02-07T20:30:00ZNews ItemKDOC Healthcare Checkup 2024 Part 2
https://www.doc.ks.gov/kdoc-healthcare-checkup-2024-part-2
Our 3-part series looking at the healthcare of residents within KDOC opens our eyes to the 3 H's in this video; Hep-C, Hernias, and Hospice care.In part 2 of our checkup on KDOC Healthcare, we share how we are winning the fight against Hepatitis-C and Hernias. We also take a deeper look at the Hospice program at El Dorado Correctional Facility. It’s slightly similar to the Companion programs that are in place at other facilities within KDOC, but the hospice training at EDCF is more in-depth with specific training that focuses on all levels of crisis.
]]>No publisherDavid Thompson2024-02-02T18:30:00ZNews ItemKDOC Healthcare Checkup2024 Part 1
https://www.doc.ks.gov/kdoc-healthcare-checkup2024-part-1
KDOC opens a 3-part series on several improvements within the healthcare system overseeing the residents. In Part 1, we hear how developing a working relationship with the contract vendor, Centurion Health, has enabled more positive ideas that turned into positive outcomes.Many health problems that plague our world outside the fences, plague our world inside the fences at an even greater rate; increasing demand for healthcare services for cancer patients, substance abuse, and care for the elderly are common issues within state correctional facilities. We admit we are not perfect in addressing these problems, but healthcare within the Kansas Department of Corrections is doing a lot with what is given to us.
In looking at the healthcare provided for residents within KDOC, we offer you the first of a three-part series looking at ways KDOC is addressing these issues. This week, we hear how developing a working relationship with the contract partner, Centurion of Kansas LLC, has enabled positive ideas to be turned into positive outcomes.
]]>No publisherDavid Thompson2024-01-24T23:00:00ZNews ItemKJCC Graduation - Jermaine Wilson 12-08-23
https://www.doc.ks.gov/kjcc-graduation-jermaine-wilson-12-08-23
19 graduates received their diplomas from Lawrence Gardner High School and 16 students received certifications through Washburn Institute of Technology. All were inspired by guest speaker, Jermaine Wilson, who encouraged the graduates to see themselves as a success and to never give up.Jermaine Wilson had quite a homecoming December 7th and 8th. On December 7th, the Leavenworth mayor and former resident of Lansing Correctional Facility, was able to put closure on his past as he toured his old prison, which has been vacated for several years in lieu of a more modernized prison which sits behind the original castle-like structure. His tour was part of a documentary filmed by Prison Fellowship, an organization of which Wilson is now an official Ambassador. The next day, he was the guest speaker at the Kansas Juvenile Correctional Complex’s graduation ceremonies, a place where he spent 4 years as a young adult. In one of the most powerful graduation talks given at the facility, Wilson encouraged the graduates to see themselves as a “success”.
]]>No publisherDavid Thompson2023-12-14T17:00:00ZNews ItemARAMARK Cooking Contest 11 06 2023
https://www.doc.ks.gov/aramark-cooking-contest-11-06-2023
3 teams of 5 residents within the Aramark Culinary Program battle for bragging rights on who is the best resident chef.Inspired by popular food shows, KDOC’s food vendor, Aramark, held a cooking contest at Lansing Correctional Facility earlier this month in which three teams of five residents showed off their culinary skills in a cookoff of top resident chefs. The competition was part of Aramark’s IN2WORK Culinary/Reentry program where students are taught how to cook, manage a restaurant-styled kitchen, earn a culinary certificate, and are helped with job placement once on the outside. Aramark is looking to expand this program to all of KDOC’s facilities.
Please check out the video to see who won:
]]>No publisherDavid Thompson2023-11-29T19:25:00ZNews ItemTCF Offsite Visits - Kansas Childrens Discovery Center
https://www.doc.ks.gov/tcf-offsite-visits-kansas-childrens-discovery-center
19 residents of Topeka Correctional Facility recently enjoyed an offsite visit with their children or grandchildren at the Kansas Childrens Discovery Center in Topeka. The Center is an educational playground for all aged children. TCF has partnered with KCDC as they host these offsite visits 6 times a year for minimum custody level residents who also must pass a Parenting Class.The PLAY FREE Program is a daylong visit for Residents at the Topeka Correctional Facility who have earned the privilege to be offsite with their children or grandchildren at the The Kansas Children's Discovery Center in Topeka. The program has partnered with TCF since 2018. This program is open for six visits per year where children of incarcerated mothers/grandmothers can explore in an educational playground setting. The Kansas Department of Corrections is grateful for organizations like the Kansas Childrens Discovery Center who also believe in second chance opportunities while helping children of incarcerated parents.
]]>No publisherDavid Thompson2023-11-15T18:00:00ZNews ItemUnsung Hero of KDOC: Larry Woodward - Welding Guru 2023
https://www.doc.ks.gov/unsung-hero-of-kdoc-larry-woodward-welding-guru-2023
Unsung Heroes of KDOC campaign profiles welding guru Kansas Corrections Industries - Larry Woodward.Larry Woodward, is a welding guru with the Kansas Corrections Industries Welding shop in Lansing Correctional Facility. Larry has been called upon to design numerous types of furniture for the KDOC resident housing to include beds, desks, lockers, TV stands, and dining room tables. Along with the entire Kansas Corrections Industries staff, the work saves the agency hundreds of thousands of funding dollars. In another edition of our Unsung Heroes of KDOC campaign, we profile one of the handiest of handymen, welders of all welders, and nicest of good guys on staff – Larry Woodward.
]]>No publisherDavid Thompson2023-10-11T13:45:00ZNews ItemUnsung Heroes of KDOC - Matt Nelson, Parole Officer 1
https://www.doc.ks.gov/unsung-heroes-of-kdoc-matt-nelson-parole-officer-1
Working out of the Hutchinson Parole office, Matt Nelson epitomizes the compassion and care it takes for parole officers as they help their clients through critical junctures coming out of incarceration. He is an Unsung Hero of KDOC.Communication skills and compassion are key traits of Parole Officers within the KDOC. Matt Nelson has both. Our report shows why Nelson is one of the Unsung Heroes of KDOC.
]]>No publisherDavid Thompson2023-10-04T12:30:00ZNews ItemImproved Classification System 2023
https://www.doc.ks.gov/improved-classification-system-2023
New classification guidelines handed down by the National Institute of Corrections are changing the way incarcerated residents in Kansas are doing their time. A resident's gradual integration back into society depends on behavior and programming as they step down in custody levels which determines their risk.
KDOC Classification staff members have worked tirelessly this past summer as they help implement the new guidelines for custody.KDOC Unit Managers and Corrections Counselors started work this past summer as they helped to reclassify our residents under the new guidelines of the National Institute of Corrections. The work is vital not only to support daily management and administration, but also to keep the system responsive to changing demographics, sentencing statutes, and KDOC policies that create an environment for change and well-being. See how these changes are impacting our residents as PIO David Thompson reports.
]]>No publisherDavid Thompson2023-09-27T14:00:00ZNews ItemKDOC at StateFair 2023
https://www.doc.ks.gov/kdoc-at-statefair-2023
A look inside KDOC building at state fair in Hutchinson. Hear how KDOC volunteers interact with fair-goers.KDOC has had a presence at the state fair in Hutchinson for countless years. And it was in 1990 that we built a building to house our booth of information for fair-goers. And every year, up to -40- KDOC volunteers will help man the booths and building to interact with fair-goers and answer questions from the public. Every interaction is meaningful when it comes to telling people what we do and why we do things. They understand who we do it for: it’s for everyone. So, a hearty ‘Thank you!’ to all the volunteers who sacrificed their time to talk with visitors at the state fair in Hutchinson. Here’s a video that highlights a few of those volunteers.
]]>No publisherDavid Thompson2023-09-19T19:45:00ZNews ItemMonica Pyles - TCF/Private Industries Partner Success story
https://www.doc.ks.gov/monica-pyles-tcf-private-industries-partner-success-story
Former Topeka Correctional Facility resident Monica Pyles struggled for 3 years while declining the help from staff within TCF, but a breakthrough opened her eyes and set her sights on working at a coveted Private Industries job. The company started in August of 2021 at TCF and Pyles found her niche making parts of the products with a sewing machine. The company was so pleased with her work and leadership, they hired her straight out of prison when she was paroled in September 2022. She is considered by many as a posterchild for reentry within TCF.KDOC's Vision is to change lives for the safety of all. Those who are willing to change, will seize every opportunity afforded to them. Such is the case of former Topeka Correctional Facility resident Monica Pyles. After 3 years of struggling and declining the help from staff within TCF, she admits a breakthrough opened her eyes and set her sights on working at a coveted Private Industries job. The company started in August of 2021 at TCF and Pyles was one of the first 13 ladies hired to make parts of the products with a sewing machine. The company was so pleased with her work and leadership, they hired her straight out of prison when she was paroled in September 2022. She is considered by many as a posterchild for reentry within TCF.
]]>No publisherDavid Thompson2023-08-30T13:05:00ZNews ItemProfile: TCF Residents working with Private Industries Partner
https://www.doc.ks.gov/profile-tcf-residents-working-with-private-industries-partner
At the Topeka Correctional Facility, there are -70- residents who are working with a private industry partner that produces various products, many of which need sewn together. In two years, the company has experienced so much success, they are considering adding a second shift of workers at this TCF plant. To date, there are nearly 1,300 adult residents employed by one of over 40 private industry partners with KDOC. These individuals are helping reduce labor shortages across Kansas and grow the state's economy while also building valuable work experience that translates to similar opportunities after serving their time. At the Topeka Correctional Facility, there are -70- residents who are working with a private industry partner that produces various products, many of which need sewn together. In two years, the company has experienced so much success, they are considering adding a second shift of workers at this TCF plant. The company has two other plants; one in Iowa and another in Mississippi. This is their story.
]]>No publisherDavid Thompson2023-08-30T05:00:00ZNews ItemVisionVan makes annual visit to KDOC facilities 07 23 23
https://www.doc.ks.gov/visionvan-makes-annual-visit-to-kdoc-facilities-07-23-23
KDOC's contracted Healthcare provider offers free eye exams and free glasses to any of our staff members or visiting family members of residents as an added benefit of their year round service. KDOC is grateful for our partnership with how well Centurion Health looks out for our staff, residents, and their families.KDOC contracts with Centurion Health to provide an added benefit for families of residents who happen to visit on days when the Vision Van is on site at each of our facilities. They offer free eye exams and a free pair of glasses for anyone in need of eyewear. This is also a benefit to all workers at each facility. We appreciate this service and encourage all residents and staff to keep a lookout for when the van is back at your nearest facility.
]]>No publisherDavid Thompson2023-07-26T15:55:00ZNews ItemKJCC Graduation June 30, 2023
https://www.doc.ks.gov/kjcc-graduation-june-30-2023
Graduation ceremony at the Kansas Juvenile Correctional Complex for 21 residents receiving diplomas from Lawrence-Gardner High School and 6 residents receiving certificates of completion from Washburn Tech. Our congrats to all the grads and their families.Graduations are always so meaningful and emotional to all parties involved. It's a celebration of hard work, determination, belief in oneself, overcoming adversity, and in many cases in a prison, overcoming odds to not only survive but also thrive. Such was the case recently at the Kansas Juvenile Correctional Complex as 21 residents graduated from Lawrence-Gardner High School and 6 others graduated from Washburn Tech. Our congratulations to the grads and their families. Thank you to all the staff, educators, partners at Washburn University and Washburn Tech, and the administration for your support!
]]>No publisherDavid Thompson2023-07-26T15:00:00ZNews ItemKDOC leaders laud work of Parole staff - PPPS Week
https://www.doc.ks.gov/kdoc-leaders-laud-work-of-parole-staff-ppps-week
KDOC Leaders praise the work of Parole Office members throughout the state for their work, dedication, and sacrifice as they help people under supervision reintegrate back into our communities safely and hopefully successfully.This is the 23rd annual Pretrial, Probation, and Parole Supervision week of celebration. This year’s theme is, Stronger Together. That is so appropriate for the work we do in the great state of Kansas for people under supervision. It takes all of us to pull together to make our communities safer and stronger through helping to restore confidence and hope in each of our returning citizens. But it takes a strong caliber of staff to act as point people in that pull. PPPS Week celebrates the valuable efforts of nearly 100,000 community corrections professionals nationwide that supervise millions of individuals. Here in the Sunflower State, the work our staff do is mission-critical to advancing the vision of KDOC – Transforming Lives for the Safety of All. The 154 staff members in this area currently supervise 5,237 individuals, and work in partnership with those folks and their families alongside community agencies and other professionals. All contribute to supporting those under supervision in their journey of returning to their families and communities and leading successful, productive lives.
]]>No publisherDavid Thompson2023-07-19T13:00:00ZNews Item