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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.

Laptop Computers Issued to Barton Community College Students at Ellsworth Correctional Facility

David Thompson — 2024-06-07T12:40:00Z

An amazing groundbreaking day took place at the Ellsworth Correctional Facility! For the very first time ever in the Kansas Department of Corrections, 19 residents at ECF were issued laptop computers for their personal use in their college classes! This incredible partnership between Ellsworth Correctional Facility, Barton Community College, and Central Office Educational staff will provide an opportunity for residents to not only utilize computers during class and for their homework, but will enable residents to complete assignments in their own living area, mirroring the opportunities provided to traditional students within the community. Once residents have completed their BCC classes, the goal is to be able to participate in college classes through other colleges, allowing them to earn higher educational opportunities, including bachelor’s degrees while incarcerated.

To ensure the safety of all, this pilot program is utilizing a proprietary version of laptop that has disabled external ports and capabilities, with locked down operating systems, specifically designed for use in correctional environments. The internet being used exclusively for this program monitors all traffic through secure servers and vetted vendors. This will ensure access only to approved educational sites.

Thank you to the entire team that have worked so hard to make this dream a reality! From Central Office Educational staff who worked hard to secure funding from legislature, to Ellsworth Correctional Facility staff who will be monitoring the use of the laptops by the residents, and to Barton Community College will be guiding this incredible pilot program. Pathway for Success is alive and flourishing at Ellsworth Correctional Facility!

Brandon Heath @ LCF 5-22-24

David Thompson — 2024-05-30T19:30:00Z

One of the biggest names in Contemporary Christian music, Brandon Heath, took to the stage on the yard of Lansing Correctional Facility in partnership with a local radio station. Heath performed 3 separate sets of his songs as the population was staggered for safety and security. Private donations to the radio station also provided a meal, board games, and Bibles for the men. The event was co-sponsored by Brothers in the Blue Reentry program.

LCF - Donnelly College Graduation May 22, 2024

David Thompson — 2024-05-23T18:30:00Z

Four residents at Lansing Correctional Facility graduated with Associate of Applied Science in Business degrees. Three of the four are first-generation college students. Donnelly College also has done a tremendous job of teaching and equipping KDOC students. 75% of Donnelly College graduates at LCF have a 3.5 Grade Point Average (GPA) or higher. We are also grateful for the staff at LCF for supporting the programs while shaping the lives of our residents and inspiring hope for all.

5 LCF Residents Graduate from University of Saint Mary

David Thompson — 2024-05-16T22:00:00Z

This is a picture of perseverance. Five residents at Lansing Correctional Facility earned bachelor's degree in computer information science. A noteworthy accomplishment in and of itself. However, two of the residents, William Mason and Charles Johnson Jr. began taking college courses through University of Saint Mary using Pell grants back in 1991 and 1994, respectively. They had to stop when Pell ended in 1994. Yet, here they are, 30 years later and after Pell grants were reinstituted in 2021, Mason and Johnson Jr. received their degrees during a graduation ceremony at LCF last week. Our congratulations to Mason, Johnson Jr., as well as Sean Murphy, Danny Pickerill, and Zachary Smith.

Awesome job! And congratulations to the faculty and staff at the University of Saint Mary, i.e. Michael Hill and Dr. Michelle Metzinger.

And thank you to the staff at Lansing Correctional Facility for supporting the educational programs and activities to help enhance the growth of residents who want to change.

Lansing Correctional Facility's Fallen Staff Memorial 05 09 2024

David Thompson — 2024-05-09T22:00:00Z

"Working in corrections is challenging and can be dangerous. For over 150 years, the staff of the Kansas State Penitentiary now known as Lansing Correctional Facility have kept watch over those incarcerated at Lansing to keep the citizens of Kansas safe. Over the years, staff have faced acts of violence and a deadly pandemic. Nine staff members have made the ultimate sacrifice while carrying out their duties at Lansing. It is hard to say farewell to those we have lost in death. However, we will never forget our fallen brothers. We will keep their memories alive in our hearts and minds. May we find comfort in remembering our friends and loved ones for how they lived. They were husbands, fathers, brothers, friends, and co-workers. Each left their mark on Lansing. Let us take time to remember the nine fallen whose footsteps we follow in."

- Jesse Howes, LCF Warden

KJCC / Kansas Childrens Discovery Ctr Visitation 02 20 2024

David Thompson — 2024-03-20T13:15:00Z

The partnership between the Kansas Department of Corrections and the Kansas Childrens Discovery Center continues to flourish within a couple of our Visitation Rooms. KCDC has held numerous on-site visits with mothers and grandmothers with their children and grandchildren on the grounds of their Topeka Museum that is filled with games and learning activities. KDOC is slowly integrating the male facilities' Visitation Rooms utilizing KCDC'S Mobile Museum. They recently opened shop for a test run at Hutchinson Correctional Facility. And last month, they made a first time visit to the Kansas Juvenile Correctional Complex where 5 young dads were able to see and visit their children, three of whom were seeing their newborn child for the first time.

Monica Pyles - Testimony of Overcoming Abuse

David Thompson — 2024-03-20T13:00:00Z

Monica Pyles is proof of God's redemptive power to heal victims of abuse. From victim of a crime, to being victimized by the foster care system... From losing her innocence, to losing loved ones... And from getting locked up, to breaking the chains of shame and distrust, Monica Pyles shares her faith journey in hopes of helping others know the healing power of Jesus Christ. She is using her story to help build the womens ministry at the Topeka Correctional Facility, a place in which she was incarcerated for 7 1/2 years.

KDOC Healthcare Checkup 2024 Part 2

David Thompson — 2024-02-02T18:30:00Z

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.

KDOC Healthcare Checkup2024 Part 1

David Thompson — 2024-01-24T23:00:00Z

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.

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.

Monica Pyles - TCF/Private Industries Partner Success story

David Thompson — 2023-08-30T13:05:00Z

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.

Profile: TCF Residents working with Private Industries Partner

David Thompson — 2023-08-30T05:00:00Z

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.

KJCC Graduation June 30, 2023

David Thompson — 2023-07-26T15:00:00Z

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!

Staff stories: Linda Graves 999

David Thompson — 2023-06-15T21:45:00Z

Ellsworth Correctional Facility staff member, Linda Graves, shares her story. Graves works In the ECF greenhouse part time mentoring the residents in gardening and groundskeeping. Working a 999 shift is ideal for people who only want to work part-time or seniors who don't want to fully retire.