Greetings!

The divisional newsletter has been on hiatus for a few months to allow time for a makeover! It was time for an update and we wanted to make sure it included information that was interesting and relevant to you. I believe we have done just that with the start of this issue! I want to thank the members of the Division Newsletter Team who came together and created an extraordinary newsletter for all to enjoy. The regions have been busy, and I cannot wait for you to see the great things happening around the state! We are going to be more interactive with all of you through the newsletter. In the next issue, I will respond to YOUR questions. Please submit them via the newsletter email address and I will choose a couple to respond to in each newsletter.

As a final point, remember to be kind. Be kind to those you work with and those you serve. This is the one thing that we all can do, and it's totally free! I look forward to the coming year and where we go from here. I appreciate you and the work you do. I am proud to lead this team!  Julie

On September 29, 2023, I was promoted to unit supervisor at D27. I have worked for the Department of Corrections for over 3 1/2 years and have a bachelor's degree in social work from William Woods University. While I was completing my social work degree, I completed a six-month internship in the Fulton Probation & Parole/CSC, D26. During my time with D26 I truly enjoyed working with substance use and mental health in the corrections field.

It was at that time I knew that I wanted to focus my career on Probation and Parole. I started planning my career beginnings and long-term outlooks.

Since working in the D6, Columbia office, I have served in Improving Community Treatment Success (ICTS), as the president of the Personnel Club, as secretary for Missouri Probation and Parole Officer Association (MPPOA), and as North Central Regional Representative for the P&P Newsletter. I have helped organize some positive changes in the office with updating and painting the lobby for our clients and updating our kitchen for our staff.

I have 17 years with the University Hospital and Clinic Ambulance department a career I truly enjoyed before coming to the Department of Corrections and Probation & Parole. I am married and have a son, step-son, daughter, step-daughter, 2 dogs and 1 cat. We have a place at the Lake of the Ozarks and enjoy being on the water most of the summer. Fun fact about me: I love a good competitive team building activity and showing different personalities.

The Missouri Probation and Parole Officers Association and Missouri Corrections Association work together every year to put on a conference in Lake of the Ozarks at Lodge of Four Seasons. This year MPPOA & MCA proudly presented the 2023 Making a Difference in Corrections conference. 

This conference was held from Wednesday through Friday and included numerous vendors and breakout sessions in this 3-day event. Agenda events included FATS (Firearms Training Simulation), Crime Scene Investigation, Guarded Exchange K-9 Presentation, Hospitality Rooms, Celebration Cruise (Sunset cruise around the lake), Posting of the Colors-Mo Department of Corrections Honor Guard, great food and much more. This year some of the breakout sessions included The Danger of Fentanyl, Staying Positive in a Negative Environment, Leadership-It's your Journey, Talk Saves Lives: An Introduction to Preventing Suicide, Community Supervision Centers (CSC), Why We Need Continuity of Care from Prison to Community, Line of Duty Death, and Hostage Negotiation. The closing speaker talked about, Keys to Career Longevity and Embracing Your Inner Leader. 

Don't miss the next year's opportunity to sign up and enjoy a conference that is engaging and educational for our employees. Relax in an atmosphere that brings DOC employees useful, educational and healthy information. Watch for information for the Fall Conference 2024, MPPOA & MCA sponsored. 

District 1-CSC staff took part in a team-building activity at the Kansas City Chiefs Training Camp on July 25. Staff worked as a district to get tickets for this free event and had fun spending time together and getting to know each other better. Six CSC residents also earned a trip as incentive for good behavior by following the rules of the program without any write-ups. A great time was had by all. Staff were able to be close up to the Chiefs players and even got a few autographs.

Over the summer, District 24 hosted a community resource fair. The event was a huge success. Over 275 clients, their families and community visitors attended and were able to connect with 48 participating agencies. Guests were able to obtain services from the ReDiscover Mobile Crisis Unit, obtain free STD/HIV testing, and get free car seat checks. In addition to connecting with local organizations, non-profits, churches and law enforcement, guests and staff were able to attend informational workshops. Workshops included the Skill Up program, First Time Home Buying Programs, Entrepreneur and Business Start Up, Personal Development, Financial Management, How to Support Survivors of Sexual Abuse and Assault and Safe Passage Police Assisted Recovery Program.

Success, hope and motivation were all a part of the resource fair. The day started off with former and current clients speaking about their stories, obstacles and grit to overcome such. This was such a hit with the guests that several community members came forward and asked to get up on the stage to share their stories as well. Recognition was a big part of the District 24 Resource Fair. An afternoon ceremony was held to recognize 25 clients for their hard work and personal achievements. District Administrator Cicely Riley met with clients and their spouses during, “Tea Time with the DA.”  This was a wonderful way to use the MOMM to motivate client change.

While clients and the community were able to obtain resources, knowledge, tools, contacts and information, it was just as beneficial for participating agencies and probation and parole staff. Partnerships were made and strengthened, networks were created, and faces put with names and voices. All were motivated and encouraged by the stories of success and to see the smiling faces of the clients recognized and their family members who attended. District 24 staff are already looking forward to next year’s resource fair. 

On July 26, 2023, Probation Officer Ray Onwuemegbulem of District 4 was presented the John Luck Award by Commissioner Tiffany Gregg of Division 50, 16th Circuit Court of Jackson County. Commissioner Gregg started this award in 2022 in memory of P&P Unit Supervisor John Luck, who was very passionate about helping mental health participants.

Officer Ray currently supervises the Serious Mentally Ill (SMI) caseload. Commissioner Gregg stated she was presenting Officer Ray this honorary award to show appreciation for his passion, dedication and hard work ethic with helping individuals with mental health issues get the resources they need to live stable lives. Officer Ray was recognized for his exceptional work. His continued efforts to promote client success and keep the community safe do not go unnoted. Congratulations Officer Ray Onwuemegbulem!

On Friday, September 22, at the invitation of Gregory Winship and the Center for Conflict Resolution, several TCKC Residents, Staff, and Community Partners made the trip to the Marriott hotel in downtown Kansas City, to attend the annual CCR Rise For Peace Breakfast.

This event highlighted the amazing work CCR and its community partners do in the local neighborhoods, schools, and justice systems to help foster communication, discourage violence, and promote emotional growth among community members.

Representing TCKC in a panel discussion with a variety of other CCR community partners during the event were Resident Ervin Miles, Superintendent Michelle Tippie, and CCR’s Gregory Winship. Each took turns discussing the challenges and triumphs the facility and the people of TCKC have experienced since beginning their journey in connection with CCR and its resources.
CCR has played a vital role in helping shape and modify what TCKC is today, and how its programming and staff work together to create an environment that helps foster a new system of restorative justice within corrections.

In July, Regional Administrator Kim Hubbard-Stewart held an informal Meet and Greet with PO staff who had started with the agency in the past year. The goal of the meeting was to make introductions, open lines of communication and break down barriers. 

PO staff came together as a team to provide feedback on what is going well in the district offices and discussed their "light bulb" moments when their training and in-office practices starts to click.

Many gave shout outs to their management teams and colleagues for being a guiding light, especially in offices where new staff outnumber tenured.

District 6 PO Brandi Tallman received the Director’s Coin of Excellence award at Central Region Training Center.  Brandi received this distinguished award after assisting CRTC with numerous Defensive Tactics Training classes during multiple Corrections Officer basic training sessions.  Over the course of the last several months, Brandi volunteered to teach Defensive Tactics classes all while effectively supervising a full-time regular caseload. 

 Brandi’s unwavering dedication to the development of new COs is a true testament to her character and is in keeping with the highest traditions of the Missouri Department of Corrections.

On October 23, 2023, District 6, PO Curtis Still, and US Kimberly DeVault participated in the Centralia National Night Out. National Night Out (https://natw.org/about/) enhances the relationship between neighbors and local emergency services, bringing back a true sense of community. Furthermore, National Night Out provides an excellent opportunity to bring those services and neighbors together under favorable circumstances.

Many agencies attended, including the Centralia Police Department, Centralia Fire Department, Boone Health Ambulance Service, Little Dixie Fire Protection District, Boone County Sheriff’s Department, Hallsville Police Department, and others. PO Still and US DeVault had a booth displaying information on Probation and Parole with activities and prizes for the children.

For the September 2023 staff meeting, supervisors elected to get creative and have a safety/team-building meeting, as there were no DA/PPA meeting items to share during this month.

All staff participated in the TCW Workshop (styles under stress), which was facilitated by Ashley Golden and Jamie Heinrich. It was great to see each staff member's communication style throughout the room.

Caitlin Rudolph, Wellness Coordinator, presented on employee wellness. She provided staff with many different resources they could utilize. She provided staff with a brochure on PACT, SELF and other resources available. Staff were provided a journal to help them start journaling throughout the day.

US Jessica Davison conducted a team building event for staff. All staff participated and had fun doing so. During this team building activity it was evident to see each team member’s communication style and how they worked to get the task at hand completed. The activity began with one staff member being blind folded. This staff member had to put a puzzle together by just following the directions of their fellow team members. All staff did a great job and finished their puzzles. Way to go, team!

On August 29 and 30, the Northeast Region held their first NER Summit. The first day of the Summit was geared toward supervisors and the second day was designed for Probation and Parole Officers. The goal of summit was to re-energize everyone and touch on pertinent topics that can aid all of us in learning and growing in our roles (and possibly in exploring of other roles within the department), as well as recognize what we do can make a difference in the those we work with and in the community where we reside/work.

The NER Summit was a huge success, and everyone enjoyed the topics on cross training, resiliency/wellness, succession development, and success stories. It was a great way to be reminded that what we do matters and makes a difference in the lives of many. Everyone enjoyed connecting with others within our region, and receiving the freebies. We are looking forward to the NER Summit next year.

                                                                                                                     John Mosley

In August, the Eastern Region along with community partners SoulFisher Ministries, Keyway, Fathers and Family Support, and US Probation, who all make up the Eastern Region Reentry Team, STAR, sponsored a perishable food drive.

In coordination with ARCHS, we gave away 300 boxes to the community as they drove through, being greeted by welcoming staff. Thanks to all the volunteers who participated, especially the great ER P&P Team!

On August 14, RA Donna A. King hosted a “So You Want to be Promoted” informational session for any staff member who is interested in being promoted or taking on a leadership role in the region. Attendees heard from Division Director Julie Kempker, Assistant Division Director of Administration John Mosley, Eastern Zone Director Lisa Schulze and Supervisory Specialist Shereda Smith.

The discussion centered around the qualities that are important in becoming a member of the management team and what assets also make a good leader. Common themes from the current leadership were being kind, speaking up, supporting leadership, and being open to change and receptive to feedback. Position competencies were shared with the attendees, and they participated in a leadership activity focusing on their strengths and areas they may need to enhance. Lastly, they were challenged to assist in problem solving regional issues. The participants indicated they appreciated the session and thought it was helpful. They have already been challenged by RA King on a regional issue.

The Eastern Region is in good hands! 

On September 11, the staff at 220 S. Jefferson revealed the new and improved staff lunchroom! This was a long time coming and well worth the wait. From the hallway to the frosted glass, fresh paint, floors, tables, chairs and water fountains that are filtered and water bottle fillable! It's the little things that really matter. So if you are in the area stop by and have lunch with the ER Team!

In August, Unit Supervisors, Allison Rekart, Tamara Johnson and CarolLyree Price participated in the NER Summit. The ladies presented on the work and responsibilities of being a unit supervisor. They highlighted their respective unit programs and answered questions from the audience. Great job ladies! 

The Southwest Missouri Veterans Treatment Court presented at the National Conference in Houston, Texas, on how to become a Trauma Responsive Court. This court is one of four mentor courts in the United States. Pictured are D9B Probation and Parole Officer Kyle Daugherty, Judge Scott Sifferman, Graduate/Court Peer Justin Moore, Veteran’s Justice Outreach Officer Marcy Van DerBerg and Judge Alan Blankenship.

Every fall, District 10, District 10W and OCC hold their September monthly meeting at Ritter Springs Park. Again this year, Social Circles provided a lunch of pulled pork and staff contributed side dishes. Also enjoyed were strolls around the many trails, yard games and conversations to get to know one another better. It was a bit rainy but otherwise was a great day. We always look forward to spending a day outside the office to take a moment and “just breathe.”

The Southeast Region held their 2^nd Annual Summit in August. This two-day event was held in Cape Girardeau.  On day one all PPOs in the region attended while day two was set aside for Unit Supervisors. This year’s theme was “The Year of You.”  Everything covered was designed to enhance individual skills and challenge everyone to grow.  During his lecture, Jason Royle taught everyone “How to be Awesome,” and if anyone knows how to do that, it’s Jason. 

During the second presentation, Ashley Golden challenged everyone to “Be The Light.” She reminded us that if we take time to realize how our words and actions affect others, we can be the light that shines into the darkness. This encourages others to meet your energy and shine their light, creating even brighter outcomes. Cindy Halasz presented useful information about gangs and how to identify them. After lunch, Matt McCaffrey presented the PPOs with the TCW workshop of the “Cycle of Continuous Improvement” while Unit Supervisors worked on the “Skill Transfer Process.”  

Matt McCaffrey was presented with the Precious Rose Award at the SER Summit. This was the 2nd annual presentation of this award, which is in memory of the much-beloved and dearly missed Jessica Prude-Rose. Matt received the award due to many attributes that he epitomizes that were just like Jessica's. Along with being kind and compassionate, he is always willing to lend a hand. Matt has an excellent relationship with his team and always wants the best for them. He is continuously coaching to help others improve and reach achievements they sometimes don't believe are possible. As a TCW ambassador, Matt represents the region and agency well. Congratulations, Matt!

ERDCC recently celebrated its 20th anniversary. There were several retired staff, community leaders, and current staff in attendance. The day included a ribbon cutting ceremony plus speeches about ERDCC, how it began and where it is now.  Lunch was provided by the culinary program participants from MECC. Tours of the institution were also given. It was a great day celebrating ERDCC!!