Incarcerated adults at Chillicothe Correctional Institution hold concert for families

CHILLICOTHE — The Chillicothe Correctional Institution recently held a concert as part of the DTP Music Program.

Music included everything from gospel to pop with radio hits and original songs written by the incarcerated adults in the band.

The Day Treatment Program is a mental health dorm with around 60 individuals. Some individuals have connected through their love of music and singing by creating a band that practices together for several hours a week.

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Social worker Leslie Fultz said the band is good for the men as it helps connect them and make them more accountable for their actions. She said they will look out for each other and make sure the others are doing what they should to stay out of trouble, especially when it comes time for one of the two concerts they put on each year.

These concerts are family engagement days where family members of band members are encouraged to come to the institution and watch the band perform. Fultz said this is a special day for everyone involved as she has had family members tell her how happy they were to see their loved one playing again.

"The family engagement days are special," said Fultz. "It is really the highlight of the year."

Other staff members, like Warden Tim Shoop, said programs like this one help bring a sense of normalcy to the lives of those in the program and give individuals a way to decompress, making the institution a safer place.

During the concert the DTP band had several special guests sing with them including members of their families and worship team members from Rock City Church in Columbus. The church recently donated to help upgrade the sound equipment for the band. Ricky Smith and Benson Samuel said they enjoy working with the men and serving together through song.

Shelby Reeves is a reporter for the Chillicothe Gazette. You can email her at SReeves@gannett.com or follow her on Twitter @Shelby_Reeves_

This article originally appeared on Chillicothe Gazette: Chillicothe Correctional Institution band plays for loved ones