Men’s Service Club Of Johnston Correctional Supports Local Organizations

SMITHFIELD – On Wednesday, August 6, a special check presentation ceremony was held at the Smithfield Rescue Mission, where the Men’s Service Club of Johnston Correctional Institution presented $1,000 donations to Boys & Girls Clubs of Johnston County and Smithfield Rescue Mission. This donation event, marking the generous contributions of incarcerated individuals, underscores the commitment of the Men’s Service Club to give back to both their fellow inmates and the broader community.

A Unique Opportunity for Leadership and Giving Back

The Men’s Service Club at Johnston Correctional Institution is made up of trusted inmates, hand-selected to represent the offender population. These men are chosen for their leadership skills and the trust they have earned within the institution. The club operates with its own Board of Directors, and through their work, they embody the principles of responsibility, community service, and redemption.

Each year, the Service Club raises funds through various initiatives, including food sales, photo sales, and donation drives held within the facility. Their mission is clear: to give back to the community both inside and outside the walls of the institution. Through these efforts, the Service Club not only supports charitable organizations but also creates opportunities for incarcerated men to engage in positive actions that benefit others, demonstrating that they are active contributors to society.

Ravon Ravenell, Case Manager Supervisor at Johnston Correctional Institution, spoke passionately about the Men’s Service Club’s role, emphasizing how it gives incarcerated men an opportunity to lead, serve, and make a meaningful difference. Ravenell shared that the club assists with food insecurity in the prison system by providing fellow offenders without families or financial means to purchase food from their canteens. Mr. Ravenell discussed how the administration of the prison works with the Men’s Service Club, and this initiative helps them support each other and local charities in the community in ways that go beyond the walls of the prison.

Boys & Girls Clubs: Changing Lives Through Community Engagement

Matt Taliaferro, CEO and President of Boys & Girls Clubs serving Wake and Johnston Counties, discussed the transformative role the Boys & Girls Clubs play in the lives of local youth. With a focus on providing safe, structured environments during critical after-school hours, Mr. Taliaferro explained how the Boys & Girls Clubs provide academic support, mentorship, STEM education, and leadership development to children who might otherwise be at risk.

Mr. Taliaferro highlighted the importance of the after-school and summer camp programs, noting that the hours between 3:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. are the most vulnerable for children. By offering these programs, the Boys & Girls Clubs are not only keeping kids engaged but also changing lives by providing them with a safe place to grow, learn, and thrive. These programs help reduce the risks of youth getting into trouble and build the foundation for long-term success.

Smithfield Rescue Mission: Helping People Overcome Trauma and Rebuild Their Lives

Ben Olsen, Executive Director of the Smithfield Rescue Mission, spoke about the critical work the Mission is doing to support homeless and vulnerable individuals in Johnston County. Olsen explained how the Rescue Mission meets residents where they are in their journeys, helping them overcome past trauma and rebuild their lives. He shared a profoundly moving story about a former resident who, upon hearing the song “Butterfly Kisses,” was moved to tears. The song brought back memories of a Daddy-Daughter Dance he had attended while incarcerated with his daughter, a testament to the lasting impact of programs the prison systems provides those that are incarcerated or formerly incarcerated. Mr. Olsen also shared the story of another resident who had come to the Rescue Mission in handcuffs and now serves as a Pastor. This moment of reflection was a powerful example of the emotional and spiritual healing that the Mission facilitates for its residents.

Olsen also emphasized the importance of their mission to provide not just shelter and meals, but also habilitation through transformative programs that help break the cycle of poverty. The donation from the Men’s Service Club will directly support these efforts.

Presentation of $1,000 Donations

After the ceremony, Offender McKinney, a representative of the Men’s Service Club, presented checks of $1,000 each to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Johnston County and the Smithfield Rescue Mission. The funds will be used to support after-school and summer camp programs for youth and provide shelter, food, and services for residents of the Smithfield Rescue Mission.

The donation marks a meaningful moment of connection between the incarcerated men and the community they aim to support. Offender McKinney, on behalf of the Service Club, expressed that the opportunity to give back was an honor.