Our Story

Following the tragedy of Hurricane Katrina, NAAWS and ACA led a fundraising effort to aid the victims of that terrible storm. The Correction Peace Officers Foundation was right there with many other organizations from across the country including the Association for Women Executives in Corrections. Over $180,000 was raised from around the country with the Michigan Department of Corrections leading the way. Even inmate groups recognized the enormity of this cause and contributed their funds to assist the people of Louisiana. The money raised was donated to a Louisiana Department of Corrections employee committee, formed by then Director Richard Stalder, to assist those who lost so much. About a year later it was obvious that many in the communities ravaged by Katrina were still suffering. Some NAAWS members asked what else we could do to help. It was quickly decided that we wanted to help the children impacted by the storm by rebuilding their parks and playgrounds. A committee to accomplish this mission was formed and Make-A-Smile was born.

Make-A-Smile Project

An abandoned city park was identified in the 9th Ward of New Orleans and NAAWS members responded by raising money and volunteering to help. When we learned that two more parks, one in Moss Point, Mississippi and one in Bogalusa, Louisiana also were in dire need of help, then NAAWS President Mark Saunders said let’s restore all three and we did. In the years that followed, Make-A-Smile subsequently helped communities in Cedar Rapids, Iowa and Nashville, Tennessee, after both cities also suffered devastating floods.

Make-A-Smile is a 501c3 charity and, as such, your donations are tax deductible. Donations may be mailed to the following address: Make-A-Smile, PO Box 503, Collingswood, New Jersey 08108

For additional information, to volunteer or to make an online donation, please visit our organization’s website:
www.make-a-smile.org

2023 Project

In October Make A Smile members descended upon Lost Creek, Kentucky, a small town that was ravaged by a terrible flood. Many lives were lost and many homes were destroyed.

There is only one park in Lost Creek and the flood destroyed it. After meeting with local officials and residents we made a plan to restore their park and build a new playground. We had volunteers from many states, local residents, a school and 3 nearby correctional facilities: Lee Adjustment Center, Eastern Correctional Complex and SouthEastern Correctional Complex. Warden Akers and his team from Lee were amazing both in preparation of every facet of the project and they worked on site every day. Warden Green from Eastern was all in sending volunteers, donations, and equipment with operators. Warden Hughs from South Eastern even sent his canine team. Local businesses, community residents and Aramark donated all of the food for the volunteers. Local companies donated a lot of supplies including building materials. Medpath sent a nurse every day. Riverside Christian School housed many volunteers in their dormitory. One day a local school sent over 60 students to help out.

Make-A-Smile Project

Donations totaled almost $100,000 and came from all over the country including Associations (NAAWS, CPOF, SSCA, CAMA, KCCD, ACA, ICJA, CEIA USA, LCA, VCA), Companies (CoreCivic, Creative Corrections), Correctional Facilities (Farmville, Lee Adjustment, Eastern Correctional, Stewart, Davidson County, Arizona Correctional Academy), Cumberland Baptist Church, numerous individuals, over $17,000 from Inmates in Louisiana, and many, many others.

It was amazing!

It took a lot of work by many people to organize, prepare, and carry out this big project. All in the name of helping those who had lost so much. This project is another example of who we are as Correctional Professionals. We reach out in a time of need to help the communities that we serve.

If we can keep one child from coming to one of our facilities then we have been successful.....😃.

Make-A-Smile Project