Each year, PROJECT 2000 brings together correctional professionals, survivors, and supporters from across the nation to honor the fallen and uplift those left behind. At PROJECT 2000 XXXVI in Minnesota, attendees experienced moments of deep reflection, healing, and connection.

In this feature, we’re honored to share a heartfelt testimonial from one of our attendees from Colorado—a member of the correctional community who attended and left profoundly moved by the mission and meaning behind the event.

Over the last 4 days, I attended the CPOF Annual Project in Bloomington, Minnesota.  This was a very humbling experience, and I was able to meet some incredible people from across the US who work in Corrections.  In many training sessions and discussions, I heard the common themes and similar obstacles that we all face, we are not unique in CDOC.  All states are struggling with staff retention, training issues, staff safety, budget shortfalls, and the work-life balance of staff. I was able to expand my professional networks and even gained a few friends from Minnesota, Montana, Idaho, South Dakota, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Oregon, Washington, New York, North Carolina, South Carolina, Massachusetts, Nevada, Texas, Virginia, and Ohio.

We all have a direct influence and impact on our staff. Please take some time during a training, a meeting, or just everyday business, to check on one another. Oftentimes, we get lost in the policy, procedure, and everyday job duties that we forget we are all human.  A simple “Hi” or “How was your weekend?” can be the simple words that someone needs to hear and a voice that shows true appreciation of what our staff do every day. We are the “LEADERS”, not because of title or rank, but by the actions and effort that we put forth each day to take care of our co-workers, teams, and families.

I’ve attached the programs from the Annual Memorial Ceremony, as well as those who were recognized as survivors of assaults and staff who went above the call of duty. Reading the incidents that took the life of a staff member is not easy to read, but if you get a few moments take a look and see that no matter what your job title is or area of work that you do, we all need to do a little better job of taking care of each other. 

Please feel free to share this with others, and if you have any questions about my experience, please reach out. These were 4 days that words really cannot explain.

Have a great week, and let’s get better at taking care of each other!

Tim

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Tim Edmonds

Training Specialist IV

Parole Training Unit