November 28, 2016

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Finding purpose with a needle and thread

A comfortable bed and a warm blanket are essential for all babies and the offenders at the Bridgeport Pre-Parole Transfer Facility are doing their part to fulfill those needs by participating in the Moses Project.

Each Friday, more than two dozen women offenders gather at the Bridgeport Unit to produce baby beds and bedding for infants who otherwise would not have a safe and secure place to sleep. They fashion quilts, sheets, crocheted blankets along with bibs and burp cloths that are placed in baskets for the newborns.

The Moses Project began about two and a half years ago under the direction of Warden David McComis at the Bridgeport Unit. The offenders work with a team of volunteer teachers to produce the baby beds and bedding.

"The goal of the Moses Project is twofold," said Warden McComis. "The first is to teach the offenders a skill that will enhance their personal lives while also providing job skill training. Secondly, with these new skills, the participating offenders are taught the joy of serving others by providing a needed service to the community for newborns, children and mothers who are in need."

Since the Moses Project began, the offenders have produced and donated 20 beds for three crisis pregnancy centers and they expect to complete 6 more before the end of the year. The Moses Project has also provided 20 blankets to Children's Protective Services in Wise County and 40 baby blankets to the Wise County Regional Medical Center.

Cody Ginsel, Director of TDCJ Private Facility Contract Monitoring/Oversight Division, said the Moses Project reflects the agency's core values "by showing our commitment to promote positive change in an offender's behavior by giving them the opportunity to help local communities and those less fortunate. It also gives the offenders a chance to be productive and connect with others in a positive way."

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