(WASHINGTON IND.) – Wabash Valley Correctional Facility (WVCF) offenders assisted with renovations to the PowerHouse, an after school gathering place for teenagers in Washington, Indiana.
A six-man offender work crew completed numerous projects at the PowerHouse at 709 East Main Street in Washington. The Power House is a safe environment for teens where they are valued. Officials help them build character and life skills while meeting their needs and the needs of their families.
The Executive Director for PowerHouse, Tracy Cook, mentioned being impressed with how the men worked, just as if it was their own personal project.
Aside from completing all assigned tasks, the offenders identified additional areas to work on that added to the value of the final project.
A few of the tasks that were completed included: hanging wainscoting (wall paneling), cabinets and trim, leveling and reinforcing the pool table, and sanding and finishing countertops.
Work Crew Supervisor, Correctional Officer S. McGavic, also lent a hand with the project as needed.
Executive Director Tracy Cook was complimentary of the work completed and was impressed with the courteous and respectful demeanor of the crew.
After hearing the compliments from Tracy Cook, Warden Brown commented, “I’m proud of our offenders and the work they do for the community. I’m also proud of the staff that supervises them day in and day out representing WVCF in such a positive light.”
Currently, Wabash Valley Correctional Facility has five work crews working in the following counties: Sullivan, Knox, Greene, Daviess, Vigo, Vanderburgh, Clay and Parke.
About PowerHouse
The PowerHouse was started in 1999 after being awarded a $250,000 Lilly grant. The grant was used to purchase a home a few blocks from the junior/senior high school. The goal was to create a safe place for teens to go after school. PowerHouse staff share the Gospel of Jesus with teens through sports, help with homework, and special events. In the future, the PowerHouse hopes to start a full-service wood shop to teach a craft to the teens. Those at the PowerHouse are working to fill the gaps in these young lives.
