ManCI employees deliver G.I.F.T.

Oct. 26, 2006 - “Your choices today may determine the rest of your life,” says correction officer Roxanne Wolford to a class of eighth-graders at Madison Junior High School. “If you make the wrong choice, you may find yourself still in Mansfield – but in our prison.”

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Wolpert and fellow CO Carl VanBibber spent the entire day at the school talking with students as part of a Giving Information For Tomorrow, a special project organized in 2005 by members of OCSEA’s ManCI chapter and prison administrators aimed keeping teenagers from committing crimes.

Wolpert and VanBibber talk frankly with students about the life and the realities behind bars. “We let them know time in prison is tough, boring and dangerous. We try to make sure that they understand that once they enter a prison, their life will be totally controlled by security staff – or another inmate.”

The two deliver their message with a slide show of the interiors and exteriors of the ManCI facility. They also bring numerous props including various prison garb and a display of homemade weapons, and make a point of describing prison food, gangs and contraband. GIFT volunteers also work with teachers to develop special homework assignments and discussion guides.

Besides Mansfield schools, the group has made GIFT presentations in Cleveland, Mt. Vernon, and Ashland. “We’re pleased to be involved with our community like this and, hopefully, play a part in successfully moving these kids to adulthood,” said Van Bibber.