Airway Heights Corrections Center (AHCC)

ProgramProgram Partners Highlights – December 2020
Roots of Success, environmental courseRoots of SuccessTemporarily suspended or placed on hold due to COVID-19; one active program as of December 2020.
24 graduates, 13 instructors certified
BeekeepingMillers Homestead, West Plains Beekeepers Association, WASBAIn 2020, 7 incarcerated beekeepers passed Apprentice-level testing and certification, 1 beekeeper passed Journeyman-level certification; 8 healthy hives.
Gardens: MainMaster Gardeners8,318 pounds of produce was grown with 3,248 lbs donated to the community
Gardens: MinimumSecond Harvest Food Bank, Master GardenersGrew and donated 150 pumpkins to the community
Diversity GardenRows of native herbs (lavender, sage, and sweet grass) blessed by local Native American elder to be used in Native American spiritual services
Flower gardensThroughout the prison for human and wildlife well-being
Pollinator forage and habitatMillers HomesteadPollinator-friendly plantings throughout the main & minimum areas: flowers, herbs, pussy willow. Large woody debris (log!) and shrubby habitat in pond area
Sustainable Business SolutionsTeam of four supporting sustainability programs with data tracking and mapping (produce grown, # from garden to kitchen, soil types)
Large-scale compostingMain garden has large compost pile for food waste; waiting on funds to set up in-vessel system
Waste sorting & recyclingWaste ManagementTechnicians receive comprehensive on-the-job training and education provided by DOC staff and Waste Mgmt company; in 2020, recycled ~160.74 tons of metals, cardboard, paper, and pin plastics.
Worm farm: MinimumMaster CompostersCompleted program move from Main to Minimum; may start new Main program inside a greenhouse.
SPL: QuiltingBlessings Under the Bridge, AHCC Medical End of Life Patients, Catholic Charities of Eastern WAFabric is repurposed to create quilts for donation. 12 quilts were started before COVID-19. The program converted to mask making for the incarcerated population and made approximately 5,200 masks!
Computers 4 KidsOffice of the Superintendent of Public Instruction, WA Department of Enterprise ServicesRefurbished 3,183 computers for schools in 2020, plus 13,544 to surplus. Technicians refurbished 541 laptops to aid state employees working from home due to the pandemic. Incarcerated technicians learn basic diagnostics and can test for certification, plus learn office skills (Excel, Access) and shipping skills (e.g., forklift experience).
Pawsitive dog training – prison programDiamonds in the Ruff, SpokAnimal, Spokane Humane SocietyProgram is 100% self-sustainable by community donations and fundraising with art and crafts projects donated to Spokane Humane Society. Despite program suspension due to COVID-19, 174 dogs graduated from the program at the end of the 26th session. The Sustainability Lab created and donated dog vests to Spokane Humane Society and Diamonds in the Ruff. Reunion event held for dogs, new owners, and former handlers.
Firewood donationSNAP SpokaneCrews prepared approximately 1,000 cords to deliver to SNAP clients prior to COVID-19 program suspension. DNR provides wildland fire trainings and prison staff provide firewood and chipper trainings
Nature ImageryIncarcerated individuals in maximum security can opt to watch nature imagery; also offered by mental health staff during times of mental distress

Articles about AHCC

2019

Life in a cell/cell/cell

Learning about gentleness from honeybees

Beekeeping is Freedom

2018

First Journeyman Beekeepers Have Graduated From AHCC!

Caring about people, caring about place

Beans to Bluebonnets

Astrobiology for the Incarcerated – Washington

2017

Roots of Success Gains Momentum at Airway Heights

2016

Creative Illustrations for Monarch Butterfly Conservation

AHCC Roots of Success Graduation

Saving Resources at Airway Heights Corrections Center

Airway Heights Abuzz with Beekeeping

All snaps! Airway Heights amazing firewood program

2015

Gardens at Airway Heights Corrections Center