Corrections_Today_Winter_2025-2026_Vol.87_No.4

News&Views

profound impact of the Adopt a-Prison Program and the Prison Relations Advisory Committee (PRAC). Pro grams like these demonstrate how working together toward a common goal can create meaningful outreach and safer communities. PRAC’s com mitment to bridging the gap between the incarcerated and the surrounding communities supports DOCCS’ mission to improve public safety by helping prepare individuals for a successful reentry into the community. By “adopting” our prisons, PRAC is fostering connections, reducing stigmas, supporting staff, and providing

resources to those who are often overlooked by those on the outside. This collaboration helps humanize incarceration and reminds those in our care that they are not forgotten. I am extremely proud of the work this program has accomplished, and I look forward to the con tinued positive impact it will have on the lives of our staff and of those we serve.”

Sharon Griest Ballen is the Director of Communications for the Interfaith Prison Partnership and serves as Chair of the Prison Relations Advisory Committee to the Town of Bedford. Dr. Hans Hallundbaek is the Founder and retired Director of the Interfaith Prison Partnership. Daniel F. Martuscello III serves as the Commissioner of the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision.

And so our work continues, “fostering connections, reducing stigmas, supporting staff and pro viding resources to those who are often overlooked”, knowing that we can accomplish much more together than alone. CT

Happy Holidays The American Correctional Association extends holiday greetings to all members of the correctional profession and wishes you and your families all the best this holiday season. Happy Holidays! The American Correctional Association extends its warmest holiday greetings to the dedicated members of the correctional community. May this season bring you and your families peace, joy and renewal as we look ahead to a successful new year.

Corrections Today | Winter 2025-2026

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