Facility Programs

Community Involvement

Stafford Creek inmates participate in various activities that support the community.

Volunteer Programs

Volunteers are instrumental in assisting in the development of programs aimed at promoting positive changes in personal growth and successful reintegration to society. The Inside-Out Prison Exchange Program puts together fundraisers for community charity groups such as the Connections, formerly Children's Advocacy Center of Grays Harbor, Coastal Community Action Program, Habitat for Humanity, and the Grays Harbor Food Bank Distribution Center.

Giving Back to the Community

The Grays Harbor Lions Club works with Bicycles from Heaven to donate like-new bikes to the community. Inmates receive old bikes and bike parts, refurbish them, and donate them to the Lions Club for distribution to individuals in need. Over 1,000 bikes have been distributed throughout Grays Harbor County to date.

Inmates also participate in outreach efforts, such as crocheting hats and blankets and donating them to community like the United Gospel Mission of Grays Harbor, the nursery at the local hospital, and the United Way of Grays Harbor Coat & Blanket Drive. Through Toy Time, inmates make toys to donate to the community for children during the holidays. These donations go to the Children's Advocacy Center of Grays Harbor and the Christmas for Kids in Grays Harbor program.

Art in Public Places

The Art in Public Places (AIPP) program facilitates the acquisition, placement, and stewardship of artwork in state-funded building projects throughout Washington. The Washington State Legislature established the AIPP program in 1974 to acquire artwork for educational institutions and state agencies, funded by ½ of 1 percent of the state’s portion of construction costs. Today, the State Art Collection includes more than 4,700 artworks.

Migration I, 2003

Migration II, 2003

Family

Local Family Council (LFC)

Each prison facility maintains a Local Family Council (LFC), providing family members the opportunity to meet regularly with the facility staff to ask questions, receive information, and share their perspectives. Meetings typically involve the facility Superintendent or Associate Superintendent, along with other department representatives and facility visitors. They are generally held during even-numbered months throughout the year, and any approved visitor may attend. To sign up to attend these meetings or join the LFC, contact your Local Family Council Representative.

Statewide Family Council (SFC)

The Department also maintains a Statewide Family Council (SFC), consisting of one elected representative from each of the Local Family Councils, the Statewide Program Manager, and various members of the executive leadership team from DOC Headquarters along with visitors or other community members who have a vested interest. These meetings are open to the public and generally occur during odd-numbered months throughout the year. To see past meeting minutes as well as information on upcoming meetings and how to join, visit the Statewide Family Council site and click on the upcoming agenda; log in information is located in the top right corner of the agenda.

Family Events(pdf)

Family relationships are essential during incarceration and provide emotional support, stability, and a sense of connection that can greatly influence an individual's success both during and after their incarceration. Family friendly events provide the opportunity for incarcerated individuals and their visitors to participate in meaningful, family centered activities that strengthen these bonds. Each year, at least four such events are organized at each facility - two are focused on strengthening adult relationships and two are dedicated to nurturing the child/parent connections. All events have set criteria and must comply with security, safety, and health requirements and in alignment with the Department’s Mission and Core Values.

Family Support and Navigation Guide

Family members experience both a physical and mental loss when a loved one becomes incarcerated. In order to maintain connections and provide support for their loved one, families must learn to navigate their way through the Corrections system. This can be a scary time for all involved. The Family Support and Navigation Guide was developed to provide you with information relevant to your loved one’s incarceration and guide you to resources during your time with Washington State Department of Corrections.

• Family Support & Navigation Guide(pdf)
• Apoyo a la Familia y Guía de Navegación (documento PDF de Adobe)(pdf)

Lodging and Transportation Assistance Program (LTAP)

The Lodging and Transportation Assistance Program (LTAP) was developed to help reduce the financial burden placed on families due to the cost associated with travel to/from a facility. Qualifying applicants may request up to two separate $50 reimbursements to assist with the cost of fuel and/or a hotel stay when visiting their loved on. You can find more information and the application at the link above.

Stafford Creek Superintendent

Superintendent Karin Arnold

Karin Arnold began her career with the Department of Corrections in 2006. Throughout her career she has worked at six facilities, a field office, headquarters, and has served on numerous project teams. Some of these assignments included Prisons Strike Team Leader for the Blake v. State Release team, Advance Corrections Implementation team and assisted in the developing of curriculum and training for case management staff statewide, Planning Section Chief for WCC during the COVID pandemic, and most recently she has been working to successfully implement the Solitary Confinement Project – Proof of Concept, and Washington Way implementation at SCCC.

Karin has worked for the State of Washington for 19 years. In her time with DOC, she has served as the Correctional Program Manager at Mission Creek Corrections Center and at the Washington Corrections Center. She has also held the positions of correctional unit supervisor, correctional mental health unit supervisor, quality assurance specialist, grievance coordinator, correctional mental health counselor, and Offender Re-entry Community Safety (ORCS) transition specialist in Pierce County.

Karin Arnold's appointment as the new interim Superintendent of Stafford Creek Corrections Center marks a significant milestone in her career. With her extensive experience and unwavering commitment to excellence, she is poised to lead the facility with integrity and dedication, ensuring a safer and more rehabilitative environment for all.