Belmont Correctional Institution Engages Children and Incarcerated Parents for the Holidays
ST. CLAIRSVILLE — Incarcerated fathers at The Belmont Correctional Institution spent time with their loved ones on Friday, participating in Christmas activities for the holiday season.
The Belmont Correctional Institution (BECI) had its Christmas Family Engagement event, sponsored by Four-Seven, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. with Santa Claus who arrived at 1 p.m. Friday at Belmont Correctional Institution, 68518 Bannock Rd., St. Clairsville., to provide meaningful time for families to spend together.
Fathers spend time with their children at The Belmont County Correctional Institution’s Christmas Family Engagement Event, to provide incarcerated individuals quality time with their loved ones. Pictured is Delilah (left) and Josh Heighley. ©Barnesville Area News Company Photo.
This special program is designed to strengthen family connections and support positive re-entry outcomes by providing incarcerated parents an opportunity to spend meaningful, structured time with their children, according to BECI. Additionally, this Christmas Family Engagement event is part of BECI’s ongoing commitment to fostering healthier family bonds, promoting emotional well-being and offering supportive programming that aligns with the department’s mission.
Unit management chief Mike Kolvek noted the day was spent celebrating fathers.
“These kids deserve to have a dad,” he said. “And when we can bring the kids in here with their fathers, especially during the holidays, at Christmas time to foster those relationships, to build those bonds, it greatly enhances rehabilitation.”
A group of 25 fathers took part in the event. He explained that participation is a privilege, reserved for those who follow the institution’s rules. This event provides an extra monthly visit opportunity for the incarcerated individuals involved.
Kolvek emphasized the importance of incarcerated individuals having a support system when they return to the community, noting that family is often the strongest source of support. He added when fathers are able to maintain healthy relationships with their families during incarceration, they are better positioned to continue those positive connections after their release.
Kolvek said a lot of work by staff goes into these events, such as building displays, games, attractions, preparing food and more.
“Prison isn’t usually a happy place, but when we have these events, to see the smiles on the kids’ faces and the incarcerated men, it’s refreshing,” Kolvek said. “And you don’t normally see the smiles on the incarcerated men on a normal day-to-day basis.”
Executive director of Four-Seven Kimberly Elliott said the organization sponsored the event to make a memorable time for families during the holidays.
Children visit their fathers at the Belmont County Correctional Institution to participate in holiday activities during the Christmas Family Engagement event that provides quality time for incarcerated individuals and their families. Left to right: Lior Purdy, Larry Purdy and Legacie Purdy. ©Barnesville Area News Company photo.
Four-Seven is an organization dedicated to equipping the lives of the incarcerated and their families with tools and resources that lead to transformation, according to its website.
Families participated in activities, such as building gingerbread houses, getting pictures with Santa Claus, listening to the choir and more.
“We want to make sure that as they’re engaging with one another throughout the year. They’ve got memories that they enjoy, memories that can keep the conversation going,” Elliott said. “And then also reminds them, it’s an incentive for the parents to be able to get back to their families.”
Incarcerated father Darrell Byrd shared that it means everything to him to get to spend time with his family during the holiday season. Byrd’s significant other Jasmine Moorer and three sons, Daylen, Damari and Jasiah Byrd visited Darrell for the day.
“It actually just gives us a chance to bond and spend the day with each other,” Darrell said. “Catch up physically and just enjoy certain holidays.”
Darrell enjoyed indulging in the Chick-fil-A meal the staff provided, while Darrell’s sons said they were excited to see their father on a day filled with Christmas activities.
“Holidays mean a lot to me and my family,” Moorer said. “So being able to bring the kids here to spend time with their dad, it’s a blessing.”
Santa Claus visits the Belmont County Correctional Institution’s Christmas Family Engagement event, which is a program to provide meaningful time for families to spend together. ©Barnesville Area News Company photo.
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