June 2024

Fixing Faucets and Restoring Lives: Female Maintenance Crews

by Josh Lippold

The sound of wrenching and banging from the bathroom echoes through an empty classroom at the Hobby Unit. You think, “Oh, the maintenance team is at it again,” and you’d be right… almost.

The Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) made history in September 2023 with the launch of its first all-female inmate traveling maintenance crew. This innovative team tackles plumbing repairs across facilities, alleviating pressure on existing TDCJ crews. While their primary focus is the Hobby Unit, they function as a mobile “assist” team, ready to address needs wherever they arise. Importantly, the program equips these women with valuable job skills that will benefit them upon release.

“There’s a large plumbing need across facilities,” explained Maintenance Supervisor IV Melissa Beckett, who oversees the crew. “So, plumbing is our primary focus. We also tackle minor electrical issues like fixing lights, and we deploy based on expertise. They even went to Bartlett State Jail to lend a hand with sheetrock and steel framing.”

Stationed at the Hilltop Trusty Camp in Gatesville, the women travel to different units within Region VI. Amy Lee, a crew member, acknowledges the long days.

“We sometimes get back at 8:30 p.m., call our families, unwind, and then it’s lights out to gear up for another day.”

They don’t mind, though. In fact, they enjoy the work and find satisfaction in helping fellow inmates, even those in different units.

“The women are so grateful that we come in and help, even with basic things like toilets or sinks,” Lee said.

A full plumbing crew can have up to five or six women. Currently, they’re down to two. One crew member celebrated her release, another achieved her goal by transferring to a truck driver position in the Manufacturing, Agribusiness, and Logistics (MAL) Division, and the last one opted to pursue cosmetology training. While this turnover can be challenging, Beckett, a TDCJ staff member of 16 years, takes it in stride.

“It’s good for them to discover their talents, what they’re good at and career paths for life after release,” she said. So, it’s a ‘I don’t want you to go, but yes, I want you to go’ situation. Their success is our goal.”

Lee feels that encouragement from Beckett.

“She cares about us. She wants us to succeed, and that makes a huge difference. Her encouragement, especially when we’re unsure of ourselves, is nice.” Lee said. “Most of us are new to this, so it’s helpful to have somebody that encourages you to learn and experience new things.”

Lee, who never worked on plumbing prior to her incarceration, found the job boosted her self-esteem.

“It gives you a new sense of independence,” Lee said, “like not having to rely on others. When I go home, if my toilet breaks, hey, I can fix that! It’s a good feeling knowing I have the independence to tackle small things, maybe even some big ones, on my own.”

Beckett finds immense satisfaction watching her crew learn and succeed.

“When you do something for the first time and succeed,” she explained, “you’re empowered. There’s a confidence they gain, one they will carry the rest of their lives, knowing they accomplished something. Here’s this huge task, and we conquered it.”

As for Lee, she’s ready to take on new tasks at home and in the job market when she releases.

“I’m all about girl power” Lee said. “I may not be as strong, but I can do anything a guy can do, and wear pink too.”