Over the past three years, CoreCivic has renovated spaces at facilities across the country using evidence-based design principles. Upgrades include new furniture, trauma-informed paint colors, sound-absorption panels and more.

These facility upgrades are part of CoreCivic’s normalization efforts, broadly referred to as Project Vista at CoreCivic. The effort features details that help create environments and daily routines within facilities that mirror the community and free world as much as possible. This includes space layout, the addition of greenery and plant life and more. The goal is to help ease justice-involved individuals back into life outside correctional environments, better preparing them for successful reentry.

At CoreCivic’s El Paso Multi-Use Facility in El Paso, Texas, significant renovations were recently completed in both resident and staff areas. The facility serves individuals on behalf of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice as they prepare for reentry.

Before the project began, teams identified areas at the facility that would have the greatest impact on resident and staff morale. Facility leadership and staff worked together to ensure each upgrade aligned with CoreCivic’s Project Vista goals while maintaining regular daily operations and a safe environment.

The result was a significant transformation, creating spaces that are more functional, inviting and supportive of daily activities while promoting dignity, respect and positive interactions.

Monica Delgado, facility director at El Paso Multi-Use Facility, said feedback from both residents and staff has been overwhelmingly positive. She said the updated spaces have inspired a renewed sense of pride in the facility and a more positive atmosphere overall.

“At El Paso Multi-Use Facility, normalization is about people,” Delgado said. “It is about creating an environment where our residents feel respected, valued and encouraged as they work toward rebuilding their lives, and where our staff feel supported and appreciated for the important work they do every day.”

Delgado said the improvements made through Project Vista efforts are more than facility upgrades; they reflect a commitment to the people who live and work at the facility. When residents have clean, welcoming and comfortable spaces, it fosters a sense of pride, responsibility and belonging. Likewise, when staff have workspaces that are inviting and supportive, it improves morale and reinforces that their well-being matters.

“At El Paso Multi-Use Facility, normalization is not just a project. It is part of our culture and our commitment to making a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve and those who serve alongside us,” Delgado said.

CoreCivic’s Project Vista began in 2023. Since then, CoreCivic has received positive feedback from staff, residents, families of those in our care and recently released individuals. Additional normalization efforts are ongoing at CoreCivic facilities across the country, advancing our goal of building safer, healthier and more productive communities.