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Leisure Time

Interview with Tonya

JM: What types of facilities were available to help pass the time?
Tonya: There were a variety of classes one could take that included parenting courses, computer courses, GED classes for those who did not graduate High School (This class offered 30 days "good time" upon completion, Church services, Providence Center which was for additions and self improvement and options for those who were needy. Various religious classes.

JM: Did you have regular access to the entertainment or was competition fierce? Give details.
Tonya: Each "dorm" room which had 4 or 5 bunks in each had a big screen TV in them which had to be turned off by 11pm (12midnight on weekends) there was a tiny library where you could take and read books and just before I left one of the staff began a movie night in a small room downstairs where they would bring in a movie to watch if you chose to.

JM: Did you have a hard time staying in shape while in jail?
Tonya: YES! Down time was plentiful so a lot of women take to eating what they purchase on their weekly "store order" where there is a lot available in the form of :junk" food. There was a small gym however which had 8 or so machines to work out on.

JM: How often did you get to go outside? What did you do outside if you were allowed to? If you were not allowed to go outside what could you do for exercise?
Tonya: I did get to go outside because I was part of the garden program so I could request time out daily. Otherwise there were "supposed" to be 2 times a day for an hour to go out in the yard which had some picnic tables. We would walk around the yard for exercise and indoors back and forth down the hallway on days we didn't get out.

JM: Did the jail offer church services? If so, what were they like and when were they held?
Tonya: Yes, They were wonderful. The Church chaplain , Joy Johnson, was amazing and truly changed the lives of so many that had "given up" Christian Services and Catholic Services were offered

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