On October 12, 2017, Divisional Vice President of "GEO Continuum Of Care" David Burch visited the Heritage Trail Correctional Facility and proudly presented Warden Donnie Emerson and the Heritage Trail Correctional Facility with the "GEO Continuum of Care" certification.
The process began in October 2015 with a new facility mission. Changes were made to the 104-year-old programming building to make for a more comfortable learning experience for the students. The facility soon after implemented data entry into the GEOtrack system. Next, the facility greatly expanded its academic, vocational, and certification programs such as ServSafe, Customer Service Gold, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) 10-Hour Construction Industry Outreach Training program, Forklift, and CPR/first aid.
Heritage Trail Correctional Facility also expanded its religious services by updating the Faith and Character based unit curriculum, partnering with the Kairos Prison Ministries, and implementing the Men of Honor program developed by released Heritage Trail Correctional Facility inmates.
Programming and Case Management staff attended comprehensive training provided by "GEO Continuum Of Care" staff. Following training, they were able to implement procedures for assessment, begin one-on-one individual cognitive based therapy sessions, develop better referral processes for evidence-based programs, greatly enhance transition planning, update pre-release programming, and connect with post-release support services.
The "GEO Continuum of Care"certification was awarded following a comprehensive review from Divisional Vice President of "GEO Continuum Of Care" David Burch and his staff in 2017.
Pictured from left to right: Deputy Warden Dan Leflore, Divisional Vice President of "GEO Continuum Of Care" David Burch, Warden Donald Emerson, and Chief of Security Shad Rice (currently the Assistant Warden of Operations at Blackwater River Correctional Facility).
