MTC is deeply grateful to all of our staff members and their dedication to the Believe It Or Not I Care, or BIONIC approach, to rehabilitation.

Staff at the East Mississippi Correctional Facility in Meridian, Mississippi, profiled one of their own, an exemplary staff member who makes a difference just by being who she is. Meet Yolanda Austin, deputy warden administrative assistant.

Keith O’Banion, human resources manager: “Ms. Austin has the type of personality that allows staff, particularly, to approach her with their issues, with their concerns.”

Jessie Houston, finance manager: “She has really shown that it doesn’t matter what your title is. If there’s a job that needs to be done, it doesn’t matter what you’re supposed to be doing, let’s just work together and get it done, and that’s just the type of person that she has always been.”

Keonna Stribling, correctional officer: “She’s been there for me, pretty much every time I’ve needed her, regardless of what it is. If I have a question on anything, if I need something done, if I need to know how it needs to be done, she’s always given me an answer immediately.”

Jessie Houston: “She has a bubbly personality, she’s very outgoing.”

Keith O’Banion: “Bubbly!  She’s bubbly, she’s super friendly. As far as the offenders, the offenders have come to really respect her. A lot of them approach her in such a way that they know she will definitely deal with their issues in a professional manner; in an expedient manner, too, as well.”

Jessie Houston: “With the offenders, I often hear her talking about offenders’ parents calling her. She’s always got that attitude where she wants to help and try to answer any questions that they may have to make them feel assured that their loved one is okay. She really portrays that BIONIC attitude. Believe it or not, she does care.”

Keith O’Banion: “She epitomizes what it means to be BIONIC. The believe it or not I care philosophy? Ms. Austin embodies that. She’s positive. People pick up on that immediately. The positivity that she exudes, people pick up on that, and they’re grateful to her because of that.”

Jessie Houston: “She just wants to help whenever she can and however she can help. She does not mind lending a helping hand to anyone.”