Inmates at the Daviess County Detention Center have been growing more than just produce this year. Through a partnership with Faithful Friends, the inmates grew and donated nearly 400 mums to local nursing homes, spreading joy to residents across the county.
Todd and Marla Carter established Faithful Friends as a nonprofit dedicated to helping residents in nursing homes.
Jailer Art Maglinger said the initiative stemmed from a simple idea that quickly grew into something more impactful.
“One of our MRT instructors bounced the idea around a few years ago, probably during the pandemic. It just clicked with me,” Maglinger said. “Last year, we partnered with Faithful Friends for the first time. The inmates put the mums together, took care of them, and then they were distributed to all the local nursing homes.”
The Carters have made it their mission to serve nursing home residents, many of whom the couple says are isolated and often forgotten. Marla Carter said the need became evident after visiting her mother-in-law in a nursing home.
“We learned quickly that 60-80 percent of residents never have a visitor,” Carter said. “That was before COVID, and I’d say it’s even more so now.”
The partnership with the jail allows inmates to take on meaningful work that benefits both themselves and the community. Maglinger praised the inmates for their dedication, specifically mentioning Gary Mayfield, an inmate worker who played a key role in growing the mums.
“He’s been here for over a year and has taken a lot of initiative with this project. He does a phenomenal job,” Maglinger said.
Maglinger said it’s more than just tending to plants for the inmates – it’s an opportunity to give back.
“It makes them feel productive,” Maglinger added. “It’s good for their soul to be out in the sunshine and doing something for the community.”
Carter echoed those sentiments, noting the connection between inmates and nursing home residents.
“Inmates in jail and residents in a nursing home have more in common than people might think – being isolated, forgotten, and cut off from the rest of the world,” she said. “It’s neat to see that bridge between these two groups.”
Faithful Friends has grown pumpkins in the past, but last year, the idea of mums came up, and it’s been a success ever since.
“It brings color and life into their rooms,” Carter said. “When you hand them that mum, their faces light up. It’s not just a plant, it’s a symbol that someone thought about them.”
This year, Maglinger wanted to get more of his staff involved in the distribution, allowing them to experience the joy firsthand.
“We’re going to try to distribute them to nursing homes this week, coordinating with Faithful Friends,” he said. “It’s a way for my staff to get involved in the community, too.”
For more information about Faithful Friends and how to support their mission, visit ffky.org or call 270-478-1001.
