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A Man at Billy Moore Correctional Center Explains Why He Believes He’ll be Successful After Release

Billy Moore Derrick
Billy Moore Correctional Center

Derrick Moore talks about the importance of education and job skills, both of which he gained while in prison. He spent several months at the MTC-operated Billy Moore Correctional Center in Overton, Texas. Listen to his story.

“Today I’d like to share my story with you. My name is Derrick Moore. I’m 38 years old. I’m currently on the Billy Moore unit.

I have been at MTC for six months. And as far as being in prison is concerned, I’ve actually enjoyed this experience.

The facility is clean. The staff have been very polite. And the teachers have been very good with us. Everything that they put on the walls instills positivity. They just try to treat you like a human being, and I really appreciate that you take the extra effort to do that here.

Having my high school diploma and having my welding certification, also taking these other classes, they really have boosted my confidence.  I think confidence goes a long way in how you interact with people; they see that, and they know they can depend on you.

“I have two different things I’d like to do when I get out. I’d like to be a welder and also would like to be a personal trainer.

I just have a positive energy, a positive outlook on life.

Billy Moore Derrick
Billy Moore Correctional Center

I talk to my family and friends in the world, and I’m always encourage them to do well. ‘It’s going to be alright. There are worst situations.’ I’m always trying to help everybody see things in a positive light.

I have two teenaged daughters, and the things that I’ve learned, I think if I can share these things with them while they’re still young and impact them in a positive way before they get the influence. And they can steer clear of this path, I would be very grateful to share this information with them and help them be positive members of society.

About Billy Moore Correctional Center

Billy Moore Correctional Center is accredited by the American Correctional
Association—achieving over 99% compliance for both mandatory and non-mandatory
standards in its most recent audit. Other accreditations and certifications include the
Correctional Education Association and the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA).