IAH Secure Adult Detention Center practices what it preaches. The immigration detention facility in Livingston operated by Management and Training Corporation (MTC) believes in getting involved in the community and giving back, as well as treating everyone – staff and residents alike – with the utmost respect.
Not only does the facility frequently initiate programs and initiatives to better serve its residents, but it also participates in numerous opportunities each quarter to be good citizens in the community by doing things for others.
A “credit coupon” program was recently put in place whereby when staff notice residents exhibiting exceptional behavior, they present those residents with a credit coupon. They give them a voucher that can be redeemed at a “credit coupon store,” that is located in the office of Program Administrator and Founder Deneshia Johnson.
“So, since we started, it’s been a bang, like, it’s been great,” Johnson, who is also the facility’s recreation coordinator, said.
“They love to come over there because some things that I have in my store, they don’t have in commissary. Some people don’t make [it to the] store, so they be ready to come over there and get some hygiene, or even if it’s, like, a pack of noodles or something like that. They be ready. You should see their smile when they’re at the credit coupon store.”
The credit coupon store is stocked with supplies purchased by Johnson, with the facility fronting the cost. Sometimes, on occasion, the credit coupon store goes mobile, presenting a chosen prize to a whole dorm that earned the award.
“So, whenever they come over with a credit coupon, it’s always, ‘Thank you, Miss. Thank you so much. Thank you, Miss Johnson.’ It makes me feel really good because I know I’m doing something right. I know that I’m doing something right. So, it makes me feel so good. And then, just to hear people talk about it. It’s just rewarding.”
Warden Alex Sanchez said he is confident the residents enjoy the credit coupon program. He said he knows it’s a hit because they’ve told him as he regularly visits with them.
“Just going into the dorms and listening to what their concerns are, what their wants are, what their needs are, I think that’s why that credit coupon program has been really, really successful here,” he said.
“Because, again, it’s all based off of what the residents feel that they would want or need in that program. It’s the right thing to do.
“To be honest with you, we just treat people how we would want to be treated. I think that’s why MTC is the difference, and I think that’s why they are 40+ years in changing lives, because they care about 1) the people that are employed at the facility, and then, 2) the residents that we have in our custody. I mean, I think it’s very, very important. And I think it’s the heart of the company, if I’m being honest,” Sanchez
It’s been a busy third quarter for the IAH staff. They helped kick off the school year for local students by partnering with the Rotary Club of Livingston to make pancakes for faculty and staff at the Livingston ISD 2025 Convocation.
Before most folks had even hit snooze on their alarms, four dedicated IAH staff members were already up and at ‘em, bright-eyed and ready to rise with the roosters, rolling up their sleeves to help kick off the school year. And what better way to start the year than with the smell of sizzling pancakes in the air? Flipping flapjacks and pouring syrup with smiles, the crew helped cook up a hearty breakfast that was served fresh to LISD staff, students and community members.
“The heat from the cook tops was hot, but the smiles were all warm and the event was cool,” IAH Nursing Director Raymond Burns said.
IAH Health Services Director Adriana Villarreal agreed.
“I enjoyed volunteering with others from the community who came together and organized a beautiful event and prepared a heartfelt meal to show our gratitude to those who make a daily impact on our schools,” Villarreal said.
It was a morning to remember. Community, collaboration and pancakes – all before the first school bell rang.
“It’s an honor to serve our community and celebrate the dedicated Livingston ISD staff who shape future generations – especially alongside the joy and energy of our youth,” IAH Warden Secretary Barbara Duncan said.
The IAH team also participated in the 2025 Backpack Bonanza by distributing folders to local students face to face. Both children and their parents expressed gratitude as they selected from the colorful array of folders. What better way to make a lasting impact than by providing children with the tools they need to succeed in school?
The event was a collaborative effort that brought out the best in the facility, with more than 17 dedicated volunteers offering their time and energy throughout the afternoon and into the evening. The team worked together to greet each family, ensuring every child walked away with the essential supplies to begin their academic year on the right foot. In total, 900 folders were donated by MTC-IAH, complementing the broader community initiative organized by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.
“Our mission at MTC-IAH goes beyond our daily work. It’s about serving the community and making a tangible difference. Being able to provide 900 folders and help give kids a jump start to their school year at the Backpack Bonanza is a testament to the values we stand for, and it was a
proud moment for our entire team,” Training Manager Dendra Butler said.
“Mahatma Gandhi said, ‘The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.’ I’m grateful for opportunities to serve my community, and watching kiddos light up at getting to pick the hot pink folder is definitely a spirit-lifter,” IAH Registered Nurse Barbara Comstock said.
Wrapping up the third quarter, several members of the IAH staff found themselves participating in DOGA, or Doggy Yoga, at the SPCA of Polk County when the puppies were let out of their kennels for an unforgettable evening of hugs, kisses, nose boops and headbutts during the unique event.
Volunteers gathered on their mats, and as they flowed through gentle yoga poses, they were joined by playful pups eager to snuggle, stretch and share their love. Laughter, wagging tails and happy hearts filled the space as the dogs freely roamed, soaking up attention and giving affection in return. More than just a fun and therapeutic experience for participants, DOGA provides the shelter dogs with meaningful enrichment and vital socialization. And perhaps
most importantly, it increases their visibility – boosting their chances of finding a forever home.
By the end of the evening it was clear that every downward dog had brought the deserving furbabies one step closer to adoption.
“Of all the volunteering events I have joined, dog yoga at the local SPCA has been my favorite. It combines a bonding experience, stress relief, physical activity and getting involved with the community wrapped in the most adorable, tail wagging, nose licking package,” Mailroom Clerk Eve Bochar said.
“As a dog foster and rescuer, this cause touched me both literally and figuratively. DOGA was a beautifully balanced event bringing healing, joy and connection to everyone involved, two- and four-legged alike,” Warden Secretary Barbara Duncan said.
