Field Days

Teresa Chandler, the Collaborative Case Management training specialist, discusses CCM and how the principles apply to everyday life. By using motivational interviewing, stage-matched change strategies, and basic listening skills, staff can more effectively communicate with offenders thereby increasing their intrinsic desire to be successful. Her passion is evident and puts in action one of her favorite quotes, "A person who feels valued will always do more than expected."

Happy 4th of July! Did you know that the Saginaw Correctional Facility was a dedicated housing unit for prisoners who are also veterans? Find out all about in this Field Days Podcast with guest Warden Thomas Winn, who is also a veteran. We want to wish all our staff and especially the veterans a Happy Independence Day!

It's not too late to register for the 2017 Employee Rec Day! Director Washington talks about the activities she plans to participate in on July 14 and hopes to see you there.

Recap the last 50 episodes with Chris, Greg and Noah!

Cary Johnson, a corrections officer at G. Robert Cotton Correctional Facility in Jackson was named the 2017 Corrections Officer of the Year for her integrity and dedication to public safety. She is passionate about many issues that corrections officers face on a daily basis including PTSD and wants to help guide the next generation of officers.

James Fults, who was named the 2017 Director's Award winner for his tireless efforts to promote the Vocational Village in the business community and help connect paroling prisoners to jobs, reflects on what the award means to him. He shares his best stories of offender success in this Field Days Podcast episode.

Director Heidi Washington attended the Mackinac Policy Conference, focused on one of the conference's pillars - increasing economic opportunity. By having conversations with business leaders about the department's Vocational Village, Director Washington is hopeful returning citizens will be provided opportunities where they can have successful lives outside prison walls. She stresses that providing valuable job training which helps prisoners secure careers reduces the risk of re-offense.

The program has shown early success, but it is in jeopardy due to budget cuts proposed by the state Senate. The MDOC requested funding to expand WRAP to the west side of the state and build on the positive results seen in southeast Michigan, but it was not supported in the Senate’s budget proposal. This episode provides a current update on the WRAP program at Detroit Reentry Center and reiterates the positive role this program plays in offender success.

In this special edition podcast, we pay tribute to Candice Dunn, the 2017 Probation/Parole Agent of the Year, who was tragically killed in a car accident on May 9. You will hear her acceptance speech from the night she received her award and a shared memory from Judge Phyllis McMillen. Patti Yerke, a program manager from the Employee Services Program talks about how to cope with grief and the resources available to staff that may need additional help handling instances of traumatic loss.

In the first ever live episode of Field Days you'll hear from the Field Operations Administration (FOA) Outstate and Metro Supervisors of the Year and the Lifetime Achievement Award recipients at the 2017 FOA Supervisors Conference. Your hosts Chris and Greg with returning host Noah put Tammy Pettit, Larry MacDonald and Laraine VanLopik in the hot seat to uncover their secrets to being a successful supervisor. Next week a special edition podcast will pay tribute to Candice Dunn, the 2017 Probation/Parole Agent of the Year, who was tragically killed in a car accident on May 9. A tribute, which includes her acceptance speech from the awards ceremony can be watched here: bit.ly/CandiceDunnTribute