What Thanksgiving looks like in Strafford County jail: It's 'tricky' and emotional time

DOVER — Chris Brackett, superintendent of the Strafford County House of Corrections, acknowledges "holidays can be tough when you are incarcerated."

That's why the jail staff does what it can to treat Thanksgiving as a special day.

"Thanksgiving dinner here is just like what you get at home," said Paul Thorpe, kitchen manager at the jail. "We do turkey, stuffing, potatoes, butternut squash, cranberry sauce, gravy, and pie for dessert. I think it is nice, and even in here, we can give thanks for what we have."

Thorpe said incarcerated people can get depressed around the holidays.

"It's tricky," he said. "They do not want to be here, so holidays can be a particularly depressing time. If they have children, families on the outside it gets really tough."

"You are in here and cannot be with the people you want to be with," Brackett added. "Some people want to celebrate in some fashion, and we offer a way to do that with the holiday meal. Some people do not want to be reminded and so we also try to make the day as normal as possible."

The jail houses men and women convicted of a crime, as well as U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement detainees and some crime suspects brought in by federal marshals awaiting trial. It represents a pretty diverse population, according to Brackett.

"We will be sensitive to how the inmates are feeling," Brackett said. "Sometimes people will come and have a meal in a group, for a sense of community. Other people want the meal in a more solitary setting, they want to be alone, and either is fine. We try to meet them where they are, as a way to help everyone get through the holiday. We check on them as needed. It doesn't overcome the loneliness, but maybe it can help build on hope. We have a monthly newsletter written by the residents here. This month's is focused on gratitude, another way to lift peoples' spirits."

What Thanksgiving looks like in Strafford County jail

Thorpe said the serving size is a bit larger on Thanksgiving. He said he often plays the radio, with holiday music, and he thinks that helps.

"Food is an interesting thing," Brackett said. "You might walk in here in handcuffs, but you still want good food."

Thorpe said the kitchen staff tries to work with the inmates' dietary needs, making separate meals, including vegan options, as needed.

The jail has guidelines it is required to meet, for daily caloric intake and nutritional value. Inmates can work in the kitchen, and Brackett said it is a privilege for them to do so. They are carefully selected. and they get paid.

"I love working in the kitchen," said one inmate. "I get better food. I get paid. And it gives me something to do every day and helps with the boredom."

Thorpe said the staff could not accomplish all it does without help from the inmate population.

Brackett said any staff members who work on the holiday are treated to their own Thanksgiving dinner.

Inmates have access to e-tablets, which Brackett said allows them to access educational content.

"During COVID, that became a very valuable tool," Brackett said. "They can access a lot of educational material and programs. They can also have video visits and can send requests to the staff."

Faith is part of holiday season in Strafford County jail, too

Arnold Gustafson is the chaplain at the jail, helping care for the religious needs of the population.

"I am impressed with the meals offered for holidays," Gustafson said. "It doesn't always overcome the loneliness, but I think it can help build on hope. I take the time to talk with people who are having a hard time. Perhaps we can share a memory. Talking is sometimes a way to help people get through the holiday."

Brackett said it's not just Thanksgiving. He said they offer a special meal and try to help follow traditions for many holidays, and many faiths.

"During the month of December, around Christmas, and Hanukkah, I spend a lot of time here," Gustafson said. "I can help them cope, like one man wanted to create a book for his daughter. He can't give it to her yet, but he can tell her about it, so she knows he is working on it and will have it for her when he gets out. It helps him to feel better."

Thorpe said the jail observes Jewish holidays, honoring traditions as best as they can.

"There are guidelines we have to follow," Brackett said. "Freedom of religion is near and dear to us, so we take a more liberal stance where we can. Like obviously we can't give out wine, but we can substitute grape juice for the traditional needs."

"Ramadan involves a monthlong fast," Gustafson said, referencing the period observed by Muslims. "People can eat before sunrise and not again until the sun sets. We can accommodate that."

"People are in here for a reason," Brackett said. "That's a fact, but it does not mean we can't do what we can to make their visit here easier to take."

This article originally appeared on Fosters Daily Democrat: Strafford County jail in Dover serves Thanksgiving dinner 'like home'