The program matches a mentor with a resident (aka mentee) who is within six months of his or her release date. The mentor and mentee then continue this relationship for six months after release. Since 2011, KDOC's mentoring program has assisted close to 9,000 individuals.
There are any number of benefits that come from forming a strong relationship with someone in the community prior to release. The mentor becomes part of a critical support team in those early days following release. This can include helping to find items for basic needs, such toothbrushes/toothpaste, blankets/sheets, laundry baskets, toilet paper, cleaning products and dishes for those going into apartments.
For one individual released in early January, the care and consideration shown to him (selecting clothes in his size and delivering them to him, providing personal hygiene items, etc.) prompted a thank you to the mentoring staff and program coordinators. In a recent update to KDOC staff, Kansas Secretary of Corrections Jeff Zmuda shared the message: “I just want to thank you from the bottom of my heart and bless you for what you’ve done for me it was a fantastic thing. I needed it all so bad. I just wanted you to know that my prayers and thoughts are with you today. Thank you.”
If you are interested in learning more about KDOC mentoring opportunities, please email KDOC_Pub@ks.gov or call (785) 296-3317.
]]>Kansas Secretary of Corrections Jeff Zmuda said in his introduction to the annual report that he is proud of the collective accomplishments of KDOC employees.
"Working with justice involved individuals is stressful, no matter what your role may be. Yet this work can be incredibly rewarding as we strive to change lives and bring hope to someone who can’t see a future beyond their current circumstances," Zmuda said.
The annual report includes information for fiscal year 2021 (July 1, 2020 through June 30, 2021) along with trend data from previous years.
"It is my privilege to share some of the highlights of Fiscal Year 2021 in this annual report as we continue to work toward our vision of Transforming Lives for the Safety of All," Zmuda said.
The report details selected highlights from the year, including:
Access the online report here:
]]>While at KJCC to pick up the toys, games and sporting equipment, the Marines spent some time with the young residents talking about their futures and where the toys would be going.
Giving our residents the opportunity to give back is an important part of learning to make better choices in life. An unexpected and equally impactful bonus was the chance to have such outstanding role models visit with the residents and thank them for their generosity.
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If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse in a relationship, there is help available. For a complete listing of resources in Kansas, visit the Kansas Coalition Against Sexual and Domestic Violence (KCSDV) at https://www.kcsdv.org/ or call the Kansas Crisis Hotline at 888.END.ABUSE (888.363.2287). Please also feel free to contact the KDOC Office of Victim Services for more information https://www.doc.ks.gov/victim-services .
]]>"Four individuals completed their GED, a great accomplishment and a springboard to future success," said Jeff Zmuda, Kansas Secretary of Corrections.
Over the past three years, close to 800 KDOC residents have earned GEDs.
Another seven individuals at TCF were recognized for completing The Last Mile coding program, and 18 residents were awarded certificates for earning a spot on the honor roll last semester at Washburn.
"These are great examples of individuals working hard for a better future," Zmuda said. "I also want to thank the staff members who worked with these individuals to help them achieve these milestones."
]]>The increase is due in part to Second Chance Pell grants. Kansas Governor Laura Kelly announced last fall that seven Kansas colleges had been awarded $2,229,125 million in Pell funding for incarcerated citizens. This was the second round of awards through the U.S. Department of Education, with 67 colleges selected from 180 applicants. Kansas received the highest number of awards in the nation.
Another four Kansas colleges are expected to apply in early 2022 for Second Chance Pell status. In July 2023, a ban - put in place in 1994 under the Violent Crimes Control and Law Enforcement Act - on Pell grants for those who are incarcerated will be lifted, leading to greater opportunities for more residents to enroll.
“Of the 325 residents in KDOC classrooms this fall, 240 are funded through Pell,” said Dr. Cris Fanning, KDOC Education Director. “By leveraging KDOC funds with Pell and other federal funds, KDOC plans to significantly increase market relevant job certifications for returning citizens.”
The classes are taught by professors from Kansas colleges. The Kansas Consortium for Correctional Higher Education, a partnership between KDOC, the Kansas Board of Regents and 11 Kansas higher education institutions, ensures prison programs are of the same quality as those on campus and that certifications and degrees are geared to high-demand occupations.
CTE programs include welding, sustainable/renewable energy, carpentry and electrical skills. Degree programs include associate of applied science, associate of arts in liberal studies and Bachelor of Science in computer information systems. As funding and space within the facilities allow, more programs and degrees will be added.
Special education and Title I services are also offered, and another 134 residents are enrolled in GED programs.
The connection between education and opportunity is well-documented. According to a recent Rand study, for every $1 spent on educating an incarcerated individual, taxpayers save between $4 and $5 in three-year incarceration costs. KDOC research indicates 75% of those entering prison have weak employment and education histories, and 50% of the reincarcerated were unemployed at the time of re-entry
“There is a direct link to education achievement and success after an individual fulfills their sentence and returns to the community,” said Jeff Zmuda, Kansas Secretary of Corrections. “Job readiness programs, transitional planning, private and correctional industry opportunities, mentors, tutors and many other key partners all play a part, but education and training are the foundation.”
Beyond the benefit to the individual, a skilled, ready-to-work workforce is one of our state’s highest needs.
KDOC releases approximately 6,000 individuals each year who return to their home communities. Providing training and education prior to release increases the labor pool for employers, and this in turn directly benefits local and state economies and improves the quality of life for all involved.
KDOC staff also observe that giving residents meaningful, relevant activities such as education and training leads to improved behavior. This is reflected in fewer rules violations and placements in restrictive housing. It also promotes positive engagement with staff and other residents and contributes to improved mental and physical health.
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