It may seem that only the people who are incarcerated are in prison, or that the people who are “caught” face difficulties, but what about those people who are so honorable, they willingly go into institutions and put their lives on the line in order to provide safety?

This program recognizes that, in reality, the prison system is made up of relationships. It is understanding that, in a prison, it is not only the prison residents, but the Correctional Officers who experience the realities of incarceration. This program was created to build a systemic freedom and to do this by honoring the noble heart of the Correctional Officer.

We want to do this by being honest, and by admitting that as a culture, we have abandoned the Correctional Officer as well as the prison resident. While they must be strong and stoic on their job, it is our work to help lift their burden. Who ensures the safety of the Correctional Officer, while they are ensuring that we feel safe? Who will pay attention to the burden and the stress that they carry in the name of duty — a duty that goes well beyond what humans are meant to hold alone? This program is our “thank you” to the Correctional Officer. And our apology for what we left them to hold.