On May 15, Omaha Correctional Center (OCC) Staff Activities Committee hosted its annual BBQ. Staff activities members and executive staff grilled hamburgers and hot dogs for all three shifts. This was held in conjunction with Correctional Staff Month and to honor all staff for their hard work, dedication, sacrifice.

On March 26, while on duty at the Nebraska Correctional Center for Women (NCCW), Unit Case Worker (UCW) Pinneo was in dining and noticed an incarcerated individual choking. The incarcerated individuals face was red, her arms were flailing, she stopped coughing and UCW Pinneo ran to her aide and performed the Heimlich maneuver. After a few abdominal thrusts, UCW Pinneo was able to free the object from her airway. While performing the Heimlich maneuver, UCW Pinneo remained calm and confident, and his actions that day were heroic as he applied his training to save an incarcerated individual from a very serious situation. In addition, UCW Pinneo was honored as employee of the quarter for the first quarter this year. Way to go UCW Pinneo!

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Unit Case Worker Andrea Clark posts on incentive list on a housing unit at the Nebraska Correctional Youth Facility (NCYF). Clark has been with the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services (NDCS) since 2016. Her main duties include running a housing unit, responding to population requests, conducting security checks and logging movement. “I feel like this is the target age group when people can actually change,” Clark said. “Some of these guys don’t have family. That’s why I try to be a positive role model and show kindness and respect.” #NDCSTeamMemberSpotlight

On April 30, the Omaha Correctional Center (OCC) had its annual volunteer appreciation reception, and all volunteers from OCC were invited to this event. The purpose of the event is to honor the hard work, dedication, importance of the volunteers and the impact they have on incarcerated individuals lives as well as the institution. Nicholas Bell was recognized as the Volunteer of the Year for OCC. Mr. Bell volunteers with several self-better groups in the institution. Tyrone Harper accepted the award for Mr. Bell as he was not able to attend.

The Community Justice Center (CJC) completed its 69th Nebraska State Penitentiary (Veterans Unit) “Restorative Justice - Victims Impact/Empathy (Life Skills) Class” on May 22. Eighty eight percent of class participants rated the class Excellent! With seventy percent showing some level of empathy and/or insight in the effects their actions on their victims/community. One individual who participated in the class said, “I now understand the depth of the negative impact of my crime and learned about “Emotional Hygiene” the $1,000,000 Check." With another participant saying, “It answered my question about what is Restorative Justice and how my HARMS impacted more than just my direct victims!”

Nebraska Department of Correctional Services (NDCS) representatives will be attending the Nebraska City Job Fair on June 6. See you there!

On May 21, Nebraska State Penitentiary (NSP) hosted the NSP Vets Club Symposium. Lt. Governor Mike Foley was a guest speaker, and spoke of the history of Memorial Day which was originally known as Decoration Day. Lt. Governor Foley also spoke about his experiences at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall, in which he told the story of fallen Nebraska Marine Capt. Dustin Lukasiewicz, who was serving in a humanitarian mission in Nepal when his helicopter went down. Lt. Governor Foley called Lukasiewicz “an American hero” who had saved many lives that day already, and was seeking to save one more. Also speaking was Senator Tom Brewer, a retired Colonel in the Army Reserve. Senator Brewer’s medals include; Secretary of Defense Medal for the Defense of Freedom; Purple Heart (twice), and a Bronze Star. Senator Brewer spoke about the status of Vets Clubs in Nebraska as well as current U.S. military operations while stressing the importance of honoring veterans.

#NDCSjobs Working for Nebraska Department of Correctional Services is a career that offers great benefits and many opportunities for personal and professional growth. Learn more about the wide range of careers available with NDCS. Visit corrections.nebraska.gov/careers to apply. Corrections is more than the badge, it’s about opportunity to serve your community, ‘Keep people safe’ and change peoples’ lives. #SaferNE

Pre-Service class 518 graduated from the Staff Training Academy (STA) on May 18. Congratulations!

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Case Worker Linda Stinson updates spreadsheets to keep track of the many programs and activities that incarcerated individuals are participating in while housed in the Special Management Unit (SMU) at the Tecumseh State Correctional Institution (TSCI). Stinson has been with the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services (NDCS) since 2008 and started as a Correctional Officer. In 2009 she promoted to Corporal and in 2013 to her current assignment as a Case Worker. Her main job duties include being on the galleries daily and checking in with staff and incarcerated individuals. She also assists the Case Managers on a daily basis with the various details that are now in place. "I enjoy working in this hectic environment and working with this difficult population,” Stinson said. “I am at times able to simply listen to these guys down here and that seems to calm them down and prevents Use of Force incidents. That makes no day like the last.” #NDCSTeamMemberSpotlight

On May 14, Nebraska State Penitentiary School (NSP), held its bi-annual graduation ceremony in the NSP visiting room. Graduation ceremonies are held each May and November to celebrate those individuals who have earned their High School Diploma or GED. There were thirteen graduates recognized and they were able to invite five guests to share this special ceremony with them. After the program, graduates and guests, as well as staff, enjoyed cookies and drinks supplied by the NSP Kitchen staff. Pictured are six of the thirteen graduates who were able to take part in the ceremony as well as Education Staff and the guest speaker for the ceremony.