MTC correctional and detention facility leaders express how they feel the lives of the people we serve are being changed.

“Well, I think as a whole, MTC looks for programs and builds a culture around those programs that encourage our inmates to have a more positive attitude and prepare them for when they go back out into society.” – David Driskell, Warden, Diboll Correctional Center

“We’re changing lives to give these clients the tools to get back out there, rehabilitation that they need to get back out into society and become productive citizens.” – Wayne Schmoker, Facility Administrator, Texas Civil Commitment Center

“It is important for us that they leave our facility seeing themselves able to achieve greater things once they leave.” – Francisco Venegas, Facility Administrator, El Valle Detention Facility

“Foundationally, I think that we change lives by providing a safe, humane environment for individuals to come into. We treat everybody with dignity and respect.” – Steve Mora, Facility Administrator, Bluebonnet Detention Center

“I think you have to focus on some of the small things – the little things are what’s important in a smile, a handshake, [or] a ‘good job’.” – William DeRevere, Facility Administrator, Imperial Regional Detention Facility

“Every day, first of all, I show people that you are somebody. You’re not just a number. Everybody makes mistakes, but your mistake doesn’t define who you are. We all grow from the mistakes that we’ve made.” – Linda Brown, Director, Miami North Community Release Center

“We offer them the tools to be successful upon release, so it ultimately changes their lives. Whether it’s to make them employable or have better family lives, things like that. I think it’s just important that we change their lives while they’re there and offer them the beneficial programs and the supportive culture to do that.” – Jeremy Casey, Warden, Arizona State Prison – Marana

Watch Part II of this series here.