Today’s story focuses on how leadership and staff experienced the positive impact of a shared vision.

“One thing I’ve always learned is that our biggest advocate will always be the detainee population,” states Alex Sanchez, the facility administrator at the IAH Detention Center in Livingston, TX. “At the end of the day, my staff treats them like they want to be treated. We treat them how we would want to be treated.

“It’s the BIONIC philosophy that my staff has, from a cook and a detention officer to the executive staff. It’s not just a slogan here at IAH. 100%, everybody buys into the BIONIC, believe it or not, I care. So, everybody does their part, and they even go above and beyond when needed. They go that extra mile.”

Dendra Butler is a Human Resources assistant at the facility. “So, to have something that we stand for,” she says, “that we model ourselves behind, it means a lot. Because just going throughout the day, you be yourself, but when you have a company that has a standing – they’re known for this for 40 year – you have to really look at yourself and be like…I represent my job, here and there, especially if we’re wearing anything that says MTC. Because with it being around, everyone knows that they have the BIONIC philosophy. It makes you be aware of yourself and how you carry yourself, and I appreciate that.”

“We’ve got letters that detainees have written back to the facility,” explains Alex, “saying how much they appreciate the staff, the hospitality, and the BIONIC culture that we have here once those detainees are released or deported back to their country. They didn’t have to take the time to write that letter.

“I’m just blessed. I’m blessed to be here at IAH. I couldn’t emphasize how great of employees I have here at IAH. I couldn’t be more blessed to be a part of IAH and MTC and the great staff I have.”