WVCF offenders donate funds in support of new boys' home

Submitted photo

 Wabash Valley Correctional Facility 

CARLISLE – Wabash Valley Correctional Facility Community Service Director Jackie Storm sent out a notice to the offender population concerning a new boys home, Open Arms Christian Ministries, which will open in Lyons, Ind. in the near future.  The building was formerly a nursing home, now converted into a group home and emergency shelter for boys 10 to 14 years old. 

​Planned renovations will make it suitable for the boys. 

To help complete renovations Open Arms launched a capital campaign seeking donations.  Both Warden Dick Brown and Community Service Director Storm felt this was an excellent opportunity for offenders to give back to the community. 

In the notice shared with WVCF offenders, Director Storm stated,
“Your contributions would have an amazing impact on these young boys.  They have been struggling with many adversities in their lives and they need the right direction and a safe place to live.” 

Offenders, on an individual basis, contributed $176 from their own funds, while the Purposeful Living Units Serve and the Fatherhood Program each donated $250.  PLUS is a program designed to change criminal behavior by emphasizing alternatives through spiritual, moral and character development.  The Fatherhood Program is designed to help offenders build a positive, rewarding and satisfying relationship with their children. As such, the mission of the new boys’ home was seen as a worthy cause.

Warden Brown commented,
“WVCF is proud to support the new boys’ home and the work that Open Arms Christian Ministries is doing within the community!  We look forward to seeing the positive affect the home will have on the many young lives it will touch.”