NCCF recognizes volunteer efforts
Inmates show their appreciationBy Emilie Nelson, Messenger staff writer
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ROCKWELL CITY - Valuable. Open-hearted. Loving. Unique. Necessary. Teammates. Edifying. Encouraging. Resource. Sacrifice. That's how North Central Correctional Facility inmate Chad Hendrickson defined "volunteer" during his speech at the facility's third annual volunteer recognition banquet.
Staff and inmates at the facility took the time to recognize the nearly 300 individuals who have so generously given of their time over the past year with a meal, musical entertainment and speeches all prepared by inmates at the facility. Volunteers and participants from 10 of the available programs were on hand to both give and receive appreciation on Tuesday evening.
"We have so many wonderful volunteers," NCCF Volunteer Coordinator Cindy Shelp said. "Those of you in attendance are just the tip of the iceberg in what goes on here."
Throughout the week, NCCF offers a variety of programs that, without the help of the numerous volunteers, may not be possible. About half of the programs offered are under the leadership of volunteers.
A number of religious services and activities are conducted throughout the week by churches in the area. Local volunteers from Alcoholics and Narcotics Anonymous often come in to help with the offender-led meetings held on-site at the facility. The Church of the Damascus Road provides a storyteller's program in which offenders are given the opportunity to read a storybook on tape to be sent home to their children.
"You make it possible for me to send books home to my children," Hendrickson said. "That means a lot when there really isn't much you can do for your family."
The facility's many programs are led by about 60 regular volunteers. These volunteers go through training sessions and are issued photo identification badges that allow them access into the facility without escort. The rest of the facility's volunteers are outside volunteers that may come in a few times or even just once a year, Shelp said.
For Shelp, recruiting volunteers at the facility has never been a difficult task. Many of the regular volunteers bring in the outside volunteers, she said.
"Everyone we work with is interested in coming out," Shelp said. "They want to be here, and we like to recognize the people who are coming in and giving of their time."
Contact Emilie Nelson at 573-2141 or enelson@messengernews.net
