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Yoga at TCF 2024

David Thompson — 2024-08-20T22:00:00Z

One promising approach for prison reform and rehabilitation is the practice of Yoga. A growing number of residents at the Topeka Correctional Facility are finding that the practice of yoga can help reduce stress, increase self-awareness, and develop a greater sense of inner peace and well-being. Namaste'

Women in Corrections 2026

David Thompson — 2026-03-19T15:00:00Z

In 1972, California became the first state where female correctional officers started working in male prisons. Kansas followed a similar trajectory of integration during this era. And in 1984, three women had the courage to be the first females to work in a men’s prison in Kansas. One of those included Dona Hook, the current warden at the Topeka Correctional Facility. As we celebrate National Women’s History month, we’d like to highlight several women who weren’t and aren’t swayed by the once-male-dominated industry and are making an impact in their field of work today: Women in Corrections 2026.

Why I Love Working for KDOC

David Thompson — 2023-03-23T11:55:00Z

In their own words, our Unsung Heroes share why they love the work of corrections.

Wellness Manager - Profile of Katie Herzberg

David Thompson — 2023-05-09T19:20:00Z

Filling the newly created position of Wellness Manager, Katie Herzberg has her hands full as she helps to identify and develop programs for individual and collective wellness of staff within KDOC. Her work will bolster the Peer Support program as there is a need for many workers to talk with someone about a traumatic event or secondary trauma they've endured. There are other benefits and programs she hopes will come to fruition soon.

WCF Geriatric & Cognitive Care Unit Preview

David Thompson — 2023-02-16T17:00:00Z

After three-plus years of consideration, planning and renovation the wait is almost over. Last Friday as Winfield Correctional Facility, we unveiled the new 240-bed specialized unit providing geriatric care, a substance abuse treatment program, and a training program open for residents who wish to become certified as a CNA aide to help with care of their fellow elderly residents.

It’s estimated that there are 10-thousand people in our country everyday who are turning -65-. In our culture today, we are living longer but that doesn’t guarantee we are living healthy. And we see that in our population as well. In 2013, there were 182 residents aged 65-and-above, roughly 2% of the general population. In 2022, that number is up to -344- or roughly 5% of the population. As our elderly population has grown, so has the number of cases involving Dementia and Alzheimer’s diseases. This dedicated unit will help us manage the special needs of our growing elderly population while also helping many others with substance abuse.

We believe the bigger picture is that increased mental health and substance abuse treatment will cut the number of people who enter our facilities as well as those who return once they’re released. At the end of this month, we will begin moving 30 residents a week to Winfield until the unit is full.

VisionVan makes annual visit to KDOC facilities 07 23 23

David Thompson — 2023-07-26T15:55:00Z

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.

Unsung Heroes of KDOC: Austin Spencer HCF Evidence Ofc

David Thompson — 2023-02-07T18:00:00Z

An 8-year veteran with Hutchinson Correctional Facility, Austin Spencer is part of a new breed of Officers who are taking to heart KDOC's vision and mission of changing peoples' lives while treating residents with dignity and respect. Under the leadership of Warden Dan Schnurr, Spencer is passionate about his work and is a great example of how good people can make a difference even in a bad environment.

Unsung Heroes of KDOC - Maintenance

David Thompson — 2023-01-21T22:25:51Z

There are eight adult facilities and one juvenile facility that are maintained 24/7 by Unsung Heroes of KDOC who keep equipment, plumbing, electrical, structural, and roads all in working order. This profile highlights the Maintenance teams at Ellsworth (all male) and Topeka (all female) correctional facilities. If interested in applying for open Maintenance positions, please check out our website and search for the nearest facility.

Unsung Heroes of KDOC - Administrative Support

David Thompson — 2023-02-10T16:45:04Z

The Unsung Heroes of KDOC highlights the Administrative Support workers who most supervisors consider them as the 'backbone' of each facility. If interested in a rewarding career, please check out our website. doc.ks.gov/employment

Unsung Heroes - Admin Support - Short version

David Thompson — 2023-02-21T15:04:33Z

Unsung Heroe of KDOC - Maintenance - Digest version

David Thompson — 2023-02-07T22:00:00Z

Uncle Bully Visits KJCC

David Thompson — 2024-06-26T14:00:00Z

Film producers from Hawaii recently unveiled their latest award-winning documentary, "Uncle Bully's Surf Skool" at the Kansas Juvenile Correctional Complex. The film was about surfing instructor, Uncle Bully, who taught homeless children how to surf during COVID. It is a documentary that looks to inspire others to help or become a mentor wherever they can in an effort to build community.

TCF-Church Ladies Basketball 2026

David Thompson — 2026-05-23T15:20:00Z

For more than 25 years, a hodgepodge group of Christian women have looked at the Topeka Correctional Facility as part of their mission field. And for -8- weeks during the winter, they would come into the prison, hold a short devotional, then play a basketball game against the ladies of TCF. But it's more than just a game, it's hope in action

TCF Offsite Visits - Kansas Childrens Discovery Center

David Thompson — 2023-11-15T18:00:00Z

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.

TCF KSU Pen Pals 12-24-2025

David Thompson — 2025-12-24T22:00:00Z

One of the most powerful programs at the Topeka Correctional Facility is having students at Kansas State University correspond with some of the residents as part of a Pen Pal program. It’s part of a curriculum designed by K-State and TCF administrators. The highlight of the program is a day when the Pen Pals can sit face-to-face during a voluntary visit by the students and professor. We were there to capture their most recent visit.