We hear people say this time of year what they are thankful for. Each of us hopefully have something, often taken for granted, that we give thanks for at Thanksgiving as we gather with family for turkey and dressing and possibly a football game or two. But for the men who are spending this Thanksgiving at the Kewanee Life Skills Re-entry Center, it will be a different day.
For the third year, men from LSRC have been spending several hours each week day helping volunteers get Windmont Park ready for the giant outdoor Christmas display with the lights scheduled to be turned on at dusk on Sunday, Dec. 3.
This year there are three men — Robert Johnson, Jonathan Hurst, and Quinton Johnson. They have spent the past several weeks checking strings of lights, replacing bulbs and putting displays in place. The Johnsons explained that are not related, but refer to each other as “cousin.”
The Kewanee Voice thought it would be interesting to find out what these men would be thankful for on Thanksgiving. Each individual in custody, a term of reference preferred as opposed to “inmate” to rebuild self-esteem, earns the right to be transferred to the LSRC.
According to the Illinois Department of Corrections website, the main objective of the Kewanee Life Skills Re-Entry Center is “to build valuable life skills and prepare individuals in custody for re-entry into society while maintaining safety and security. The center focuses on individuals who are ready to make needed changes in order to successfully reintegrate into their community. The facility offers educational, job readiness and cognitive behavior therapy courses to individuals in custody who have one to four years left on their sentence and qualify for placement at the center.”
With the help of Dianne Packee of the Windmont Lighting Crew and Assistant Warden of Programs Chance Jones, we met with Robert, Jonathan and Quinton Monday at the south side of the park where the trio were stringing lights on a tree planted in memory of the late Bob Neirynck, one of the founders of the Windmont lighting project. The tree was donated by Landon and Missy Horrie, who live just south of the park where their back yard is within view of the tree.
It was not surprising that each man listed family as the first thing he was thankful for this Thanksgiving. It is probably what each individual at the LSRC will miss most — not being able to share the day with loved ones. A special Thanksgiving menu is planned, however,” according to Assistant Warden Jones. ”We’ve gone above and beyond” for the meal.
Robert Johnson said his support system was something he was most thankful for, which has helped him guide his life in the right direction. Jonathan Hurst said he was thankful for being alive and for peace. Quinton Johnson, who teaches a civics class at the center and offers his talents as a barber, said he was thankful for new experiences and opportunities.
Mrs. Packee said “They are wonderful men. We are thankful for them and couldn’t do it without them.”
The men mentioned that they are also thankful for being treated so nice by Dianne and the other volunteers.
