JACKSON COUNTY INMATES LAUNCH INITIATIVE TO SUPPORT VULNERABLE YOUTH AND CALL FOR STRONGER COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS
Media Contact: Robert T. Hinds
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By Robert T. Hines
Jackson County, Michigan
Behind prison walls, a group of incarcerated men at G. Robert Cotton Correctional Facility are working to change lives beyond the razor wire — beginning with currently focusing on children in foster care. Motivated by the heartbreaking stories shared by mentees who experienced the foster care system firsthand, prisoners affiliated with the Warden’s Forum and the National Lifers of America, Inc. (NLA) Chapter #1024 organized a fundraiser to support children in foster care and the organizations that serve them.
G. ROBERT COTTON CORRECTIONAL FACILITY
For inmate Kerry Jordan, the initiative became personal after hearing the experiences of young people impacted by instability, trauma, and displacement. “I have never been in foster care as a child, but I know a lot of people that benefited from this resource,” said Jordan on Sunday afternoon as prisoners gathered to celebrate the success of the initiative. “This is about helping children know that people care about them.”
The fundraiser reflects a growing movement among incarcerated individuals seeking opportunities to positively impact their communities through mentorship, outreach, and service-driven initiatives.
“This donation is not only contributing to providing shelter and a new beginning with someone that cares, it is also making other resources available to these children too,” said Anthony Clay, president of NLA Chapter #1024. “Leaders have to be willing to come together for causes that benefit the community.”
Clay shared that the issue of foster care is deeply personal for him. His oldest daughter was in foster care from the ages of 10 to 18, and her foster parents — her aunt and uncle, both former correctional officers — stepped in during his absence.
“I will always be grateful to them for what they did for my daughter,” Clay said. Nicole Tomaszewski, Development and Quality Coordinator for Guiding Harbor, expressed appreciation on behalf of the organization and said she was moved by the prisoners’ willingness to give back despite their circumstances.
Under the leadership of G. Robert Cotton Correctional Facility Warden Morrison and Assistant Deputy Warden Matthews, the prisoners said they were finally being given opportunities to contribute positively to the community after years of limited engagement opportunities.
FOSTER CARE PARENTS (Stock Image)
“It was refreshing to have administrators in place that were open-minded and supportive of our positive ideas and initiatives,” said Clay. The fundraiser was made possible with support from prison administration, including Account Tech/Business Manager, L. Anderson, Hobby Craft Director, R. Marienfeld, and Athletic Director, R. Fairly. The donation totaled $5,000.
While the men acknowledge they do not know how far the contribution will go, they hope it marks the beginning of continued community outreach efforts and stronger partnerships between prisoners and community organizations.
“We hear many stories about children that need support in the community, and we are willing to extend ourselves to help them in any way that we can,” Clay said.
Several of the prisoners involved currently serve as mentors inside the prison and participate in youth-focused outreach efforts aimed at encouraging positive decision-making and accountability.
Jackson Community Food Pantry
Jason Armour referenced a previous prisoner-led donation to the Jackson County Food Pantry several months ago, emphasizing that many incarcerated individuals are seeking meaningful opportunities to demonstrate purpose, growth, and community responsibility despite the barriers often created by prison bureaucracy.
Currently, NLA Chapter #1024 is working to develop partnerships with reputable organizations and professionals in the community, recruit volunteers willing to participate in prison-based initiatives, and build a network of leaders, speakers, consultants, and mentors committed to rehabilitation and positive social impact.
CALL TO ACTION
The National Lifers of America, Inc. Chapter #1024 is actively seeking community organizations, educators, counselors, mentors, faith leaders, business professionals, and volunteers interested in partnering to support mentorship, rehabilitation, restorative initiatives, and youth outreach efforts. Organizations and individuals interested in learning more, collaborating, or volunteering are encouraged to connect with NLA Chapter #1024 to help expand positive opportunities for both incarcerated individuals and the communities they hope to serve. NLA Community Partner Sign-up Form
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