October 19, 2004
| For Immediate Release: October 19, 2004 |
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FIRST LADY RECEIVES DONATION FROM INMATES FOR ANDREAWALKS In support of the First Lady’s campaign to raise awareness about child abuse and to raise funds for Child Advocacy Centers, more than 600 inmates at the 1,600-bed medium security South Central prison organized fundraisers within the prison and began a two-day walk on the facility’s outdoor recreation yard. During her visit to the correctional facility, Conte met with Warden Kevin Myers and his staff, where she was presented with a check in the amount of $1,550 on behalf of the South Central Correctional Center’s Inmate Council, a group of 14 inmates elected by fellow inmates to serve as leaders of their respective housing units. These inmates organized fundraisers and encouraged inmates to participate in the event. While the inmates are prohibited from leaving the facility to join the First Lady in her statewide walk, they realized that they could walk from Memphis to Bristol without leaving the facility. They have challenged themselves to see how many times they can make the trek the week of October 18. The more than 600 inmates will, on a rotating schedule, walk laps while South Central staff track laps completed and provide food and refreshments that have been donated by Canteen Services. According to South Central Warden Kevin Myers, “Inmates and staff of CCA South Central realize that the cycle of incarceration affects families and also tends to become a cycle that is passed through generations. The work of Child Advocacy Centers is important in stopping this cycle. Many of our inmates realize that their choices have resulted in their current situation and want to demonstrate that they can make more appropriate choices and support causes that can make a difference in the future.” One of the inmates who is participating in the event has stated, “Many times the public perception of inmates is only that which is portrayed negatively by television. We see this as an opportunity to do something positive with our time in the facility while at the same time demonstrating that we can make positive choices. It is our hope and prayer that Ms. Conte’s initiative will raise the awareness in Tennessee of the need for services to our youth so that the cycles of incarceration can be slowed, if not stopped.” Corrections Corporation of America, which is the nation’s largest provider of corrections management services to federal, state and local governments and operates seven correctional facilities in Tennessee, is a major sponsor of the AndreaWalks initiative. “I believe CCA’s responsibility is especially relevant and important. Every day, our employees work closely with the more than 63,000 inmates nationwide who are in our care, many of whom are trying to improve their lives, whether by studying to earn a GED, working to kick an addiction, dealing with anger or strengthening their faith,” said Louise Chickering, vice president of marketing and communications for CCA. Last year 6,000 children received help from one of Tennessee’s Child Advocacy Centers. “Andrea Walks for Tennessee’s Children” draws attention to the role that these centers play in the lives of children and in their communities. By bringing together professionals from law enforcement, criminal justice, child protective services, victims’ advocacy agencies and the medical and mental health communities, child advocacy centers provide comprehensive services for child victims and their families. By walking routes that take them from one of Tennessee’s 25 child advocacy centers to another, the First Lady, registered AndreaWalks participants and supporting businesses hope to accomplish two goals: to raise awareness about child advocacy centers and the work they do to help victims, and to highlight their need for financial support. The statewide campaign began on September 8 in Memphis and will end in Bristol in May 2005. “Andrea Walks for Tennessee’s Children” is a collaborative effort of the Office of the First Lady, Tennessee Chapter of Child Advocacy Centers, and You Have the Power…Know How to Use It, Inc. To learn more about AndreaWalks or to register to walk with First Lady Conte, visit www.AndreaWalks.com. ### NOTE TO PRINT OUTLETS: CORRESPONDING PHOTOS AND CUTLINES ARE AVAILABLE. THOSE RECEIVING THIS RELEASE BY EMAIL WILL RECEIVE THEM AS SEPARATE ATTACHMENTS. IF YOU RECEIVED THIS PRESS RELEASE BY FAX, YOU MAY DOWNLOAD THE PHOTOS AND CUTLINES ONLINE AT: www.AndreaWalks.com/media.htm |