Elf on the Shelf Visits Eastern Oregon Correctional Institution

To bring a little bit of Christmas spirit to adults in custody (AICs) at Eastern Oregon Correctional Institution (EOCI), staff from Correctional Rehabilitation helped launch a DOC-friendly version of Elf on the Shelf throughout the month of December.

Because the Elf does not have security clearance to actually enter the prison, he has sent in pictures of himself so AICs can experience some of the mischief Elf on the Shelf gets up to in the homes of American families. The pictures are printed and posted on the unit bulletin boards for all to see. While sharing some light-hearted frivolity around the institution, the project has also generated an interesting amount of conversation between the AICs and their children. Multiple AICs have approached the staff member who is running the project asking what is next for the Elf on the Shelf. Below are some of the photos Elf on the Shelf shared with EOCI.

AIC Shares a Seasonal Story About Working for OCE

Oregon Corrections Enterprises (OCE) Administrator Ken Jeske recently brought a tree into the OCE Administration office for staff to enjoy. When the office AIC worker Michael arrived for work, the two put up the tree and had quite the conversation. Ken asked Michael how long it had been since he put up and decorated a tree. We hope you enjoy his story:

AIC Buell stands next to the OCE Christmas tree

“My name is Michael Buell and I am currently an AIC at Santiam Correctional Institution (SCI). Having the opportunity to work for OCE has been a tremendous blessing. It gives me a sense of normalcy and purpose everyday which is extremely important to me. For example… When I came into work the other day, I noticed they had brought in this Christmas tree that you see in the picture. They showed me where the decorations were and asked if I wanted to set it up and decorate it. After struggling with burnt out strands of lights for a couple hours I finally got it all done, and the finished product is what you see here.

It occurred to me while I was decorating the tree, that the last time I had done something like this was over three years ago with my two daughters and it definitely brought back a lot of memories for me. Moments like that are special and you cannot put a price on them.

Continue reading →

A Very Merry Christmas at SCI

One little boy couldn’t believe his eyes when Santa walked in to the visiting room at SCI

Santiam Correctional Institution (SCI) once again celebrated a successful family Christmas event on the evening of December 12, 2019. Nearly 40 adults in custody (AICs) were able to participate in the event this year, and 65 children joined in the fun with their chaperones bringing the total number of participants up to 137!

Continue reading →