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The Gift of Chess 2023

The Gift of Chess 2023

here is an excitement growing throughout the facilities within KDOC thanks to 1) the game of chess, 2) a non-profit organization in New York City called The Gift of Chess, and 3) a KDOC resident who is scheduled to be paroled in 2025. The first ever KDOC Chess Champion will be crowned June 28th during an online tournament. It’s part of a whirlwind idea sparked by Tony Ballard, a resident chess guru at the Wichita Work Release Facility. Ballard has used the game of chess as a cognitive rehabilitative tool to help change his life around. His success on the chess board has opened the door for him to meet and befriend other chess players outside the facility, including Russell Makofsky, chess teacher and founder of a non-profit organization that gives away chess sets to school children and refugees around the country. Both see the benefits that come from playing the game, including developing critical thinking and decision-making skills. Through their friendship, The Gift of Chess is making quite an impact in the chess world as well as corrections communities around the world. Makofsky appointed Ballard as the Director of Prison Outreach for The Gift of Chess. Although he will not be paroled until 2025, Ballard continues to help the organization’s goal of distributing one million chess sets by the year 2030.

There is an excitement growing throughout the facilities within KDOC...more

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David Thompson
Jun 15, 2023 (10:59 AM)
Staff stories: Linda Graves 999

Staff stories: Linda Graves 999

Ellsworth Correctional Facility staff member, Linda Graves, shares her story. Graves works In the ECF greenhouse part time mentoring the residents in gardening and groundskeeping. Working a 999 shift is ideal for people who only want to work part-time or seniors who don't want to fully retire.

Ellsworth Correctional Facility staff member, Linda Graves, shares her story....more

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David Thompson
Jun 15, 2023 (10:03 AM)
KJCC Pinning Ceremony 2023

KJCC Pinning Ceremony 2023

This spring officers of the Kansas Juvenile Correctional Complex were honored at a pinning ceremony. New officers who graduated from their training program received certificates, senior officers were promoted and given new pins.

This spring officers of the Kansas Juvenile Correctional Complex were...more

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David Thompson
Jun 01, 2023 (02:31 PM)
Military Appreciation month / Memorial Day 2023

Military Appreciation month / Memorial Day 2023

There are countless members of our KDOC family that have served in the military in defense of our great nation. On this day that we remember and honor the fallen men and women of the military who sacrificed their all for our country, we pause, reflect, and spend a moment of silence at 3pm. This is how one of our own reflects on Memorial Day: Sgt. Phil Thull of Ellsworth Correctional Facility.

There are countless members of our KDOC family that have...more

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David Thompson
May 30, 2023 (09:46 AM)
LCF – Lawrence Gardner High School Graduation 2023

LCF – Lawrence Gardner High School Graduation 2023

20 residents from Lansing Correctional Facility received their high school diplomas as part of the Lawrence Gardner High School program. Congrats to these men for their hard work and determination as they hope to use this milestone achievement as a stepping stone in their lives and future dreams.

20 residents from Lansing Correctional Facility received their high school...more

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David Thompson
May 24, 2023 (04:51 PM)
TCF Graduation 2023

TCF Graduation 2023

22 residents from the Topeka Correctional Facility donned their caps and gowns as part of graduation ceremonies with Washburn University and Washburn Institute of Technology. 12 residents received their Associate's degree of Liberal Studies, 7 received their 4.0 certificate from Washburn Tech, while 3 received their Kansas State High School Equivalency Diplomas. Congratulations to all the women for their hard work and determination to achieve this important milestone on their journey to improve their lives and futures.

22 residents from the Topeka Correctional Facility donned their caps...more

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David Thompson
May 24, 2023 (02:13 PM)
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