Latest News

LeCI and WCI Partner to Host Annual Volunteer Banquet

Fri, 16 Nov 2018 10:54:27 GMT

Lebanon Correctional Institution (LeCI) partnered with Warren Correctional Institution (WCI) to host their Annual Volunteer Banquet. The theme for the event was “Working Together for The Greater Good”. The various displays were designed by offenders at LECI to inform the volunteers and guests about the multiple programs that are offered to the offender population. The volunteers enjoyed the exhibits as well as having the opportunity to interact with the offenders who represented each department. All volunteers in attendance received a certificate of appreciation for their service, along with a gift bag containing various items, including a handmade thank you card from the LeCI Community Service Department. Darren Parnell – LeCI and Michael Baugham – WCI, were recognized as Volunteer of the Year for 2018. Both Warden Chae Harris (LECI) and Warden Wanza Jackson-Mitchell (WCI) were in attendance at this celebration. We appreciate our volunteers for their continuous support and commitment!

Law Enforcement Torch Run / Release on ODRC involvement

Tue, 24 Jul 2018 15:56:03 GMT

The Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics, is the largest grass roots fund raising program benefiting Special Olympics here in Ohio. This event unites law enforcement agencies, Corrections, and the communities throughout the state – who all work together toward a common goal of raising awareness for Special Olympics Ohio. Local police officers and ODRC staff run or ride bikes in one of four planned routes covering the state, and leading to the opening ceremonies for Special Olympics in Columbus. Officers pass the torch from jurisdiction to jurisdiction, allowing the various communities watch officers working together with the community, in an effort to reach our common goal.

Last year, through our local efforts, the Law Enforcement Torch Run was able to raise just over $580,000.00 for Special Olympics Ohio. ODRC staff and offender organizations have stepped up and worked together by participating in the Torch Run. At LECI, ODRC staff and a total of 96 offenders ran 3.1 miles together at LECI. ACI was very involved with local law enforcement and the community by not only having ODRC staff run with the Torch through Lima, but also offenders made banners, and posters that Special Olympic athletes and people along the route could hold as the Torch went by. Staff from MCI and NCCI also participated by running and participating as the route went by their institutions. Just over $16,000.00 was raised this year by ODRC staff and ODRC offender groups for Special Olympics here in Ohio.

Life Builders Kick-Off at LeCI

Fri, 20 Jul 2018 16:57:21 GMT

LECI recently kicked-off its fifth six-month program cycle of the Life Builders Faith-based Mentoring Program with volunteer mentors from Solid Rock Church. This group will be reentry focused with offender mentees returning to the community in the next 18 months. Life Builders is a one-on-one relationship that focuses on the rehabilitative needs of the mentored offender, fosters caring and support, encourages personal development, assists in personal visioning and assists in the transition to the community by developing active community partnerships.

Special thanks to Acting Chaplain Shelly Kirby for all of her coordination and support for this event.

MS Walk - Lebanon Correctional Institution

Thu, 14 Jun 2018 14:56:06 GMT

Lebanon Correctional Institution (LeCI) participated in the First Annual MS (Multiple Sclerosis) Walk/Run event. This walk consisted of 68 offenders and 11 staff members. Staff and offenders ran or walked 3.1 miles to support research to find a cure for everyone affected by MS. All participants donated $3.00 or more to participate in the fundraiser. The LeCI MS Walk/Run was initiated by former Warden Anthony Brigano in April 2018. Mr. Brigano, along with Mr. Steve Neimann, Director of SW Ohio MS Society, briefed LeCI Offender Organizations about fundraising and making a MS Walk/Run a reality within Lebanon Correctional Institution. Through fundraising, staff donations, and offender donations, Warden Tom Schweitzer presented checks totaling $2,600.00 to Mr. Brigano for the MS Society of Cincinnati. The LeCI Veterans Organization donated water, granola bars, candy, and cookies to all participants following the run.

LeCI - 2018 Polar Bear Plunge

Tue, 17 Apr 2018 13:57:53 GMT

Warden Tom Schweitzer and staff at the Lebanon Correction Institution (LeCI), together with their family and friends, participated in the 2018 Polar Bear Plunge for Special Olympics Ohio. Team LeCI, along with OCSEA, local law enforcement agencies, private donors, and inmate organizations raised $7,415.00.

Polar Bear Plunge - LeCI

Tue, 03 Apr 2018 13:19:24 GMT

Warden Tom Schweitzer and staff at the Lebanon Correction Institution (LeCI), along with their family and friends, participated in the 2018 Polar Bear Plunge for Special Olympics Ohio. Team LeCI, raised $5,515.00 with the assistance of private donations and contributions from inmate organizations.

Black History Program - LeCI

Wed, 28 Feb 2018 15:48:19 GMT

Warden Tom Schweitzer and the Religious Services staff of Lebanon Correctional Institution (LeCI) were pleased to host Mrs. Betty Rosemond and Dr. Dora Bronston for a speaking engagement in honor of Black History Month. Mrs. Rosemond shared her descriptive story as a Freedom Rider during the Civil Rights Movement. Dr. Bronston, former Mayor of the City of Middletown, encouraged staff and offenders to stay focused during adversity and to keep a positive attitude.

Pictured left to right: Dr. Dora Bronston, Chaplain Kim Taylor, Warden Tom Schweitzer, Mrs. Betty Rosemond, and Ms. Donna Trammell.

LeCI QUEST Focuses on Men Taking Responsibility

Tue, 14 Nov 2017 13:11:18 GMT

Volunteers from Crossroads and The Four-Seven held a one-day retreat at Lebanon Correctional Institution (LeCI) called “Quest” focusing on the roles and responsibilities of men and the role faith plays in that process.

Throughout the day, men took inspiration from Brian Tome’s book “Five Marks of a Man” and Stephen Mansfield’s “Mansfield’s Book of Manly Men”. Topics such as fatherhood, friendship, relationships, community, responsibility and more were discussed as volunteers shared their experiences and stories with the men in attendance.

“I’ve made a lot of bad choices, and I’ve let a ton of people down,” one participant shared. “This event, along with our Thursday night Crossroads meetings, continues to help me better understand my role as a father, husband, son and friend. I had no idea what it really meant to be a man, and because of that I dropped the ball with everyone I knew. Today, I’m taking the steps needed to be someone different – someone better that can be relied on.”

“Quest” is an eight-hour program that is structured with community-building group discussions and Christian-based teachings. The day concluded with baptisms of seven men, as well.

Crossroads and The Four-Seven provide inside education at LeCI through weekly programs such as Crossroads Anywhere, Building Success: Personal and Professional, The God Experiment, Undivided, Getting It Right and more.

Confined Space at WCI and LeCI

Fri, 15 Sep 2017 16:05:02 GMT

The Warren and Lebanon Correctional Institutions in collaboration with the Turtlecreek Township Fire department and the Warren County Tactical Rescue team, successfully completed a confined space rescue exercise. During the exercise which was held in the LeCI water treatment facility, crews demonstrated rescue capability, as well as response and safety of the responders involved.

Stuff The Bus Donations at LeCI

Fri, 18 Aug 2017 16:20:08 GMT

The Lebanon Correctional Institution’s Women in Leadership and Corrections began a community service project to provide school supplies to Bowman Primary, K-2 students in Lebanon, Ohio. LeCI staff purchased and donated over $700 worth of school supplies. Financial Associate, Chimene Harris, WIC Coordinator, presented Principal Sarah McHenry with the donated supplies.