“I just feel grateful to be a part of the Sanders Estes facility and Management & Training Corporation,” says Grady Wallace, former warden of the Sanders Estes Unit. “They’ve given me and my family great opportunities, and I want to pass along those opportunities to my staff and encourage and help them accomplish their goals.”

The MTC Culture of Caring program is all about leaders paying it forward and building unity by helping every single staff member feel safe, comfortable, valued, and appreciated.

“In order for us to really convince them that we care, we have to show them that we care versus telling them that we care,” says Jesse Williams, warden of the Bay Correctional Facility.

This is accomplished through the program’s specific guidelines and diligent involvement at every level.

“We get buy-in from our executive staff,” explains Tom Watson, warden of the North Central Correctional Complex. “From our management, from the line staff, the way they treat each other.”

Jerry Rayford is the warden of the Bradshaw State Jail. “People respond positively to things when they feel they are a part of it. It’s just an environment that you develop and you create for them to work in. Making them have a hands-on involvement with it.”

“I believe that a good Culture of Caring for staff is to make them feel good,” says Hector Rios, warden of the Otero County Prison Facility. “To make them feel that we appreciate them, to make them feel that they can come into a place that is safe and that it’s a respectful place. You know, good morals, good principles, good values come into play with a good culture of caring.”

Warden Brian Collins of the Lindsey State Jail sums up the Culture of Caring. “We believe that caring is the most important thing that we do, period. And in order to build a culture of caring and to live in a world that cares, it has to come from your heart.”

Want to learn more about the “Culture of Caring” program? Watch Part I and Part II of this series.