THE LEADERSHIP STYLE THAT IS CHANGING PRISON CULTURE
“They learn that just because you are in a place of leadership … you never stop learning, you never stop going, because if you do, you become complacent.” —Daniel, Warden Exchange® graduate
On a sunny day in February, a group of men and women met inside a hotel at the University of Texas at Austin. The group, who had flown in from around the country, ranged in age, race, and background. But they had one thing in common: They were all prison wardens. Laughter, conversation, and energy filled the room—until one man got up to speak. All eyes fell on Chris Hendry, the former bureau chief of professional development and training for the Florida Department of Corrections, as he welcomed everyone to Texas. In a few words, he described the importance of what they would seek to accomplish together. This was the first day of the Warden Exchangeresidency of 2023.
“Corrections is at a pinnacle point now of totally being reimagined,” says Chris, who now serves as the national director of Warden Exchange. “And what we’re learning today is that we’ve made a lot of mistakes along the way. Locking the people up and throwing away the key, and keeping them in a cell, is just not working.”
Men and women in prison are looking for hope. And nothing provides hope like the living Word of God. The demand for Bibles and Christian content is at an all-time high. Will you help us meet the need? Thanks to a special matching grant, every $9 you give will help put a Bible in the hands of a prisoner—not just any Bible, but a large print, easy-to-read translation with devotional content that meets the spiritual needs of prisoners.
