A Holiday First for Mission Creek Corrections Center

December 23, 2024

By Lukas D’Ambrosio (email) Communications Office

The spirit of the season shone brightly at Mission Creek Corrections Center for Women (MCCCW) on December 6, 2024 as the facility hosted its first-ever Christmas tree lighting event. The highlight of the evening was a nearly 20-foot-tall tree that was donated by a staff member and meticulously decorated by students from the Trades Related Apprenticeship Coaching (TRAC) (pdf) program.

“It was a way to help bridge the gap between the population and the Corrections Officer's that are hoping to make this a traditional holiday celebration,” said Julie MacMillan, a TRAC student at MCCCW.

The TRAC shed, which served as the centerpiece of the event, was adorned with festive lights and handmade cutouts of festive figures like gingerbread men, nutcrackers and snowmen, adding a warm, personal touch to the celebration.

“The TRAC students opened their minds to creativity and used old materials to make the decorations happen,” said Ian O’Boyle, the TRAC Instructor at MCCCW. “They used many of the tools that we learned during class to build multiple characters that represent Christmas in the best ways.”

The festivities began with women at the facility gathering outside, greeted by the sounds of cheerful holiday music. Anticipation built as the tree was lit, illuminating the area with a sense of unity and joy. The evening continued with a spirited caroling session, featuring classics like “Frosty the Snowman” and “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” all while snacking on cookies and hot cocoa.

This inaugural event was part of the Washington State Department of Corrections’ Washington Way program, inspired by Norwegian correctional principles of dynamic security and normalization. The idea was brought to life by Jessica Lacy, a staff member at MCCCW, who wanted to create an opportunity for connection and community during the holiday season.

“The holiday season can be challenging for many individuals, not just those who are incarcerated,” said Lacy. “Our goal is to help normalize life for the population before their reentry back into society. Preparing these individuals for their reintegration with events that promote normalization will ultimately benefit everyone involved.”

Thanks to Lacy’s idea and the Washington Way team at MCCCW implementation, all of the items for the event were donated by staff.

Lacy also invited Sgt. Main of the Port Orchard Police Department as the evening’s guest speaker. Sgt. Main addressed the significance of a police officer speaking to a group of justice-impacted women, delivering a heartfelt message that emphasized unity, hope, and shared humanity.

“It was cool to have our guest speaker come in and be vulnerable with us about her story and for some of us we could relate,” said Ashley Fischer, a TRAC student at MCCCW.

For many, the evening symbolized more than just holiday cheer; it was a testament to the power of collaboration, compassion, and the importance of creating a sense of normalcy within correctional facilities.

“Our individuals may be burdened with a great amount of trauma and sadness, but by helping them heal and connect through the principles of Washington Way while they are living at Mission Creek, the hope is that they can start or continue the process of healing, said Courtney Robbins, the Correctional Program Manager at MCCCW. “While focusing on healing and normalization, this improves the professional relationships between staff and individuals, changing the correctional culture for the better.

As the women joined together in song and laughter, the event underscored the transformative potential of initiatives like the Washington Way, making this a holiday celebration to remember.