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Corrections and Employees Week 2025

David Thompson — 2025-05-05T16:00:00Z

The foundational goal at the Kansas Department of Corrections is to always help people come out of prison better than they went in. Today, there are 3,400 staff members working in KDOC facilities throughout the state that are helping those residents who want to change, attain that foundational goal. They, along with their peers across the country, are being recognized and honored for their dedication and service over the next 7 days as we observe National Correctional Officers’ and Employees’ Week.

In order to spotlight those deserving of credit, we dedicate this week to our Unsung Heroes of KDOC. This report reveals the character of people who work throughout our facilities as they help make a difference in the countless lives we encounter every day of the year.

IN2WORK Giftbags for RMH 04 03 25

David Thompson — 2025-04-03T17:25:00Z

Aramark Correctional Services is marking the 20th anniversary of its IN2WORK (I2W) program, which provides education and industry certifications to incarcerated individuals. To help celebrate, the IN2WORK residents and Aramark staff at Lansing Correctional Facility created 250 self-stable, breakfast snack packs and donated them to the Ronald McDonald House near Childrens Mercy Hospital in Overland Park.

KCDC Unveils Play Free Visitation Area at ECF

David Thompson — 2025-03-31T20:00:00Z

A new child-friendly visitation space at Ellsworth Correctional Facility aims to make family connections easier, thanks to a partnership between KDOC and the Kansas Children’s Discovery Center. the redesigned space prioritizes the emotional and developmental needs of children visiting incarcerated parents, emphasizing a family-centered approach in the correctional system. Governor Laura Kelly praised the partnership, saying in a statement, “I am pleased to support this partnership between the Kansas Children’s Discovery Center and the Kansas Department of Corrections, which takes a compassionate approach to the visitation experience. By focusing on the welfare of both parents and children, we can improve outcomes and support positive family relationships throughout the incarceration period.” Research shows that maintaining strong parent-child connections during incarceration reduces trauma, supports emotional stability, and lowers the risk of intergenerational incarceration, according to the National Institute of Justice. A similar visitation room has also opened at the El Dorado Correctional Facility, and a third is scheduled to launch at Lansing Correctional Facility April 10th.

Band Night On The Big Yard at LCF

David Thompson — 2025-03-14T12:30:00Z

What happens when you have a big space for an outdoor concert, a welcoming audience, and no budget to pay musicians? You invite as many bands that are willing to play on the Yard at Lansing Correctional Facility. And are they coming?! For the 2nd year in a row, more than 30 bands from around the Kansas City region are booked to play on a Thursday night between March and October. It's win-win-win situation as local bands who are looking for a gig, can play before a "captive" audience; the residents are welcome to hear a free concert; and administrators say it all adds to a calmer, safer environment. Rock on, LCF!

KJCC Graduation 12 20 2024

David Thompson — 2025-01-15T16:45:00Z

Last month, 42 students at the Kansas Juvenile Correctional Complex walked the stage as graduates of Lawrence Gardner High School, Jobs for America's Graduates, or Washburn Institute of Technology. A milestone achievement to be remembered...as was the keynote speaker, Steve Backman, who shared stories of former students, back when he worked at the facility when it was known as the Youth Center of Topeka, or YCAT.

NCF Graduation 12-13-2024

David Thompson — 2024-12-26T17:20:00Z

In association with Colby Community College, 33 residents at Norton Correctional Facility donned caps and gowns after completing courses for associate's degrees in Alternative Energy, certificates of completion in Wind Technical or Wind Certificate of Completion, certificates in Telecommunications, and diplomas for completing GED. Congratulations to all our graduates! Two newly created awards were also presented; The Catalyst - to the student exhibiting leadership that inspires others and The Pinnacle - to the student who achieves the highest standards in academia throughout the program. Exciting day for all!

ECF Learning Celebration 2024

David Thompson — 2024-12-09T23:00:00Z

The 2024 Learning Celebration at Ellsworth Correctional Facility saw 128 recipients of either Associate's Degree, 18 and 32 Hour Completion toward an associate's degree, Kansas State High School or GED Diploma, Welding Certificate, or the OSHA 10 Safety Course certificate. Many of the graduates received a combination of these degrees and certificates. A lot of hard work by the graduates. And a lot of work by Barton Community College and ECF staff to help the students achieve this milestone toward a better and more secure future. Our congrats to all!

KDOC is also grateful for the support of Senators Roger Marshall and Jerry Moran as representatives from each office was in attendance.

Horse Adoption At HCF 10 18 2024

David Thompson — 2024-10-30T20:00:00Z

Hutchinson Correctional Facility's (HCF) Horse and Burro Program recently held its annual Open House and Competitive Bid Auction Weekend. A total of 18 horses were auctioned off as well as selling 13 untouched horses and 10 burros. The weekend is a culmination of months of basic care for the horses (which are captured in the wild from mostly western and northwestern states) to actual training, under the supervision and guidance of professional trainers, correctional staff, and resident trainers in apprenticeship.

Although Wildhorse adopts all year long both trained and untouched horses. KDOC continuously trains horses year around. As we move into July of each year, we will start holding all of our trained horses for the Open House, allowing those horses to have a lot more training hours on them. This provides an opportunity for those that need a horse more than green broke to bid.

Kansas Corrections Industries and HCF officials are hoping to increase the number of Auction Weekends with one in the spring along with one in the fall.

Governor Laura Kelly highlights opening of East Campus at Lansing unit

David Thompson — 2024-10-25T23:00:00Z

Kansas Governor Laura Kelly was our keynote speaker and honorary ribbon-cutter as KDOC celebrates the grand opening of Lansing Correctional Facility's East Campus. It’s the first ever substance use recovery and work release unit within Kansas prisons.

Helping to equip residents within this 200-bed minimum security unit, the program will help build a path to successful re-entry into the community.

KJCC's first ever graduates from Aramark Culinary Program

David Thompson — 2024-10-24T20:00:00Z

Congratulations are in order for 3 residents at the Kansas Juvenile Correctional Complex. They are the first ever graduates of the Aramark IN2WORK culinary program at KJCC. The program allows students to learn kitchen basics; food service management; and take a final exam to earn a certification that is recognized throughout the food and restaurant industry. IN2WORK has been well received across the adult population and in this first with KJCC, are seeing the fruits of the labors of many people involved.
KDOC is grateful for our partnership with Aramark and its workers who help instill a vision for opportunities in culinary arts.
We also want to thank the KJCC staff for their support!

LEAD (Ladies Empowered And Driven) at TCF 2024

David Thompson — 2024-10-17T20:00:00Z

The Brothers In Blue Reentry program is considered one of the best faith-based programs within KDOC, if not all of the U-S. Their female counterpart, LEAD (Ladies Empowered And Driven), has a remnant of strong Christ-followers and they hope to grow stronger as they encourage others to lock arms of faith . LEAD encourages Christian sisters to volunteer as a mentor, to give financial support, and at the least, to pray for each of the ladies, support staff, and facility staff members.

LCF's Joe Wilson Receives Quilt of Valor 09 19 24

David Thompson — 2024-09-19T22:00:00Z

More than 20 years ago, an Iraqi war veteran's mother had a dream that a quilt draped around her son helped soothe his battle nightmares. She helped create a non-profit foundation around that dream, called Quilts of Valor. The foundation has since awarded nearly 395-thousand quilts. The foundation's goal is to cover as many of our veterans who served in Iraq/Afghanistan as possible. On September 19, 2024, Lansing Correctional Facility's Joe Wilson, a Discharge Planner and an 11-year veteran in a Medevac unit, was honored by the foundation. The quilt was handmade by Judabeth Bural, a Mentoring 4 Success Volunteer, who also presented the quilt to Wilson. It took almost 50 hours to make the quilt.

KDOC Turns Keys to Old Kansas State Penitentiary/LCF to LHS

David Thompson — 2024-09-09T20:00:00Z

KDOC officially hands over the keys to the old Kansas State Penitentiary/Lansing Correctional Facility to the Lansing Historical Society. Great work by the Kansas Legislature, spearheaded by Senator Jeff Pittman of Leavenworth. Doors open Friday, September 13, 2024 for tours which will be hosted by former staff and residents as well as other volunteers.

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'

LCF Resident Todd Deal MBA Graduation Ceremony 08 02 24

David Thompson — 2024-08-09T21:00:00Z

Lansing Correctional Facility Resident, Todd Deal, says there are three contributing factors that helped him earn his masters degree: first, his support team which includes his sister Amanda, several residents involved with Brothers in Blue Reentry, the head of BIBR, CJ Hughes; second is his pastor of record, Jeff Hord, who planted a church inside LCF, Vineyard Church - Lansing; and third, inspiration from his mother before she passed in 2011.

Our congratulations to Todd Deal for his hard work and determination to enhance his education and to be an encouragement for others.

And thank you to all of our staff, contractors, and volunteers who have helped along the way!