The Correctional Facility Next Door

CCA's Neighbors Talk about the Company's Community Impact

There's nothing like a good neighbor, and while CCA facilities companywide are serving their communities, local citizens are readily returning the favor.

New to the Neighborhood

When CCA opened Prairie Correctional Facility in Appleton, Minn., citizens like Bob Thompson, City Coordinator, welcomed the facility with open arms.

"I was tremendously pleased as I was aware of the CCA presence within the industry and their success on the national level," Thompson says.

Likewise, Greg Ruff, Lieutenant at the Leavenworth Police Department, was happy to see CCA's Leavenworth Detention Center join the neighborhood.

"Anytime you can bring jobs and business that can add to the property tax, that's good for the city," says Ruff.

Staying Connected

Community relations committees (CRCs) – comprised of local leaders who meet quarterly with CCA staff to discuss facility happenings – build transparency between facilities and neighbors.

At the warden's invitation, Thompson joined Prairie's CRC when CCA purchased the facility and organized the initial committee.

"A CRC provides an opportunity for committee members to witness the exceptional successes of CCA and a closer examination of the CCA mission," says Thompson. "It also gives members the opportunity to bring this exciting message back to the community."

Serving on facility CRCs has also given members a glimpse into the world of corrections.

"Since I have been on the committee, my eyes have been opened regarding what a pivotal component this business is to our communities and our school district," says Scott Sawatzky, local middle school Principal, Activities Director, and District Assessment Coordinator in Appleton.

"Since I joined the CRC, I've gone from not really knowing anything about corrections to having a nice, healthy respect for what CCA does," says County Commissioner J.C. Tellefson, a CRC member at Leavenworth.

CRC meetings also help members stay informed about facility life as it relates to the community.

"It's a good way to keep abreast of what CCA employees are doing and how it affects the community," says Ruff, who's served on Leavenworth's CRC since its inception about 15 years ago. "It's always interesting to see what's happening out there."

Better Together

When CCA facilities partner with their neighbors, it’s an opportunity to enrich both community and facility life.

"The school district receives more funding, as there are more students within the district," says Sawatzky. "Gas stations benefit, as PCF and its workers fuel their vehicles. The grocery store sells a large amount of food to the prison. This list goes on and on, and the economic impact it has on the city of Appleton and the surrounding communities is huge."

"My feelings about CCA have become even more positive as I continue to witness more than ever, the extraordinary CCA commitment to the excellence of their staff, programs support, company mission and the numerous gifts and benefits to the community," Thompson says. "CCA represents the very strength of the community and the community remains extremely grateful for their presence and unlimited contributions."

By DeAndra Mack

Sound Out

Gerald Holcomb at BCCF:

Exceptional and a very uplifting entry when I read how our company and employees are dedicated to the well being of the surrounding community and participate in any event to keep our company's name shine. Outstanding dedication!