Over the last four months, MTC Job Corps centers and correctional and detention facilities have focused on expressing gratitude during the first trimester of MTC’s “Better Together” initiative.

From staff appreciation lunches to serving their community, MTC sites worked hard to express their heartfelt thanks to those around them. Let’s take a look at how some MTC facilities expressed gratitude this trimester.

At the Earle C. Clements Job Corps Academy in Morganfield, KY, staff and students found many ways to thank their community. Some students participated in a community service project while others baked treats for community events. Staff also put together a goodie basket to be given to their K9 officer and his handler to thank them for their kindness and hard work.

At the North Central Correctional Complex in Marion, OH, the facility’s Elite Crochet Community Service Program donated over 300 crocheted items to the Marion County Sheriff’s Department to be given to community members in need.

At the South Bronx Job Corps Center, culinary students prepared and delivered treats to the New York City Police Department and the New York City Fire Department to show their appreciation for their first responders.

Many MTC sites encouraged staff and residents to share kind words and compliments with one another through a facility “Shout Out” wall, where handwritten notes could be posted and shared for all to see.

At the Giles W. Dalby Correctional Facility in Post, TX, expressed thanks to their community’s support by handing out over 450 free lunches to residents of the Garza County and Post City community.

The Los Angeles Job Corps Center partnered with Union Rescue Mission to donate toys and hygiene packages to community members in need. LA students and staff worked side-by-side to assemble the packages and write positive affirmation statements to be included with the toys.

The Willacy County State Jail created handmade birthday cards to be delivered to residents and staff on their birthdays.

At the Hawaii Job Corps Center, staff were recognized with appreciation and birthday luncheons and given “Gratitude Postcards” to thank them for their hard work.

To add some extra fun to the “Better Together” campaign, the Panama City Community Release Center celebrated various events such as “National Cereal Day” and the opening day of Major League Baseball, complete with themed snacks, lunches, and activities.

At the Bradshaw State Jail, the facility expressed gratitude to veterans employed at the facility with a special facility event. During the event, veterans received a certificate and bracelet as a token of gratitude for their service.

These are just a few of the many amazing things our facilities did this trimester to show gratitude for their community. Stay tuned to learn how MTC continues to be “Better Together” during the second trimester’s focus on improving the environment.