Michigan Department of Corrections staff have once again shown tremendous compassion in an unprecedented outpouring of support to those corrections colleagues in the hurricane ravaged states of Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama.

While donations continue to stream in, more than $62,000 has been collected so far. Staff across the state participated in the department-wide fund- raising day. Many facilities and locations have additional fund raisers planned and many have already raised and donated money to the Red Cross for hurricane relief.

"Corrections staff are the first to step up when assistance is needed," said Director Patricia L. Caruso. "I know the folks in the Gulf area appreciate their financial support and their

prayers at this incredibly difficult time."

It appears that the Alabama corrections department is in good shape experiencing only intermittent power outages. They are also providing assistance to those in Louisiana.

Louisiana, however, is a different story. The whereabouts of at least 10 staff are still unknown. Hundreds more have serious damage to their homes. According to the head of the Louisiana corrections department, staff is persevering in the face of tragedy. They are doing what has to be done.

"I visited Washington Corrections Institution yesterday and was struck by the resilience of staff who acknowledged their loss of property but readily expressed their gratitude for the fact that family and friends were not seriously injured or killed," said Louisiana Secretary Richard Stalder.

Corrections staff in the Gulf region are taking every initiative and getting things accomplished with what is available to them.

DOC staff are taking that same can do attitude when it comes to raising funds for Hurricane Katrina victims. Every DOC location participated in the fund- raising day and many have additional activities scheduled as well.

Secretary Stalder continues to express his appreciation for the support and assistance his department has received from across the country. Rebuilding will be a long process for the department as well as corrections staff.

"I cannot express to you how much this means to the corrections family in Louisiana. Your thoughts, prayers, financial and other support are critical. The warden at Washington Corrections Institution estimates that over half of his staff have catastrophic damage to their homes. It is still almost impossible for staff from New Orleans to get close enough to their homes in that area to even estimate what the damage is. We thank you and will never forget your generosity and that of others who have stepped up to help us in this time of need," said Secretary Stalder.

The Jackson area facilities are planning a golf outing on Wednesday, September 21 at 2:30 p.m. at the Sparrow Hawk Golf Course, 2618 Seymour in Jackson. The four-person scramble is $50 per person. Contact Kevin Lindsey (JCS) 780-6835 or Linda Skoog (SMT) 780-6268 by Monday, September 19.

Michigan Department of Corrections FYI 091505