Eden Detention Center in Eden, Texas, partners with the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to provide a safe and secure environment to men and women undergoing the judicial and diplomatic process with the U.S. government.

Eden's facility, which expands across 35 acres, stands out for its unique approach to housing residents. The facility's residential style living and open concepts in housing areas create a more comfortable environment for individuals undergoing detention.

In addition to providing secure housing, Eden also offers a variety of self-led programs available via tablets, CoreCivic's Go Further program, as well as victim impact and parenting programs.

“We strive to provide programs designed to increase quality of life both during and after detention," said Phillip Valdez, warden at Eden. "The self-led programming allows residents to make the most of their time here, since the length of stay can vary widely from resident to resident.”

Eden is a small town in rural Texas, but the facility’s employees are a diverse group. Some employees have relocated from other states and CoreCivic facilities to join the team, while others commute close to an hour from surrounding towns.

“Each employee brings something special to the day-to-day duties of the facility,” said Danelle Werner, who serves as the manager of quality assurance at Eden.

That special touch extends into the community, too. This past year, the facility delivered hundreds of pre-filled Easter eggs to Concho Health and Rehabilitation Center for the community-wide Easter Egg Hunt, as well as assembling Easter Baskets for a local nursing home.

The holiday festivities continue during the fall and winter seasons with participation in the local Fall Fest, Scare on the Square, First Responder Trunk or Treat, and Christmas donations for nursing home residents.

These programs not only provide a way for employees to give back, but they also provide the community with an opportunity to witness Eden's values and positive culture. Engaging with the community in meaningful ways supports the facility’s recruiting efforts, exemplifying Eden's dedication to service and community.

Recently, Eden invited nursing students from Howard College to visit the facility to learn more about correctional health care. Students observed the medication pass process, toured the dorms and medical areas, and spoke with staff about working at the facility.

Using new approaches to recruit staff is vitally important as Eden strives to continue its 30-year record of diligent and consistent service to CoreCivic’s government partners. With highly qualified and committed employees, and innovative housing and programming, Eden is ready to serve.