By 2006, we discovered several of our churches had prison ministries, while Betty Woolard and other customers were supplying quality motivational books to those in the prison system. The books were believed to produce a benefit to both those incarcenated and to the staff in the institutions. After speaking with the prison chaplains and other staff, Basic Needs committed to this program.

The Wake County Jail was built to hold 480 prisoners, but is now housing 700. Along with the increase in population comes the increase in assaults. In this climate, it is very appropriate to supply motivational and religious books, which are believed to lower incidents.

In 2009, this program was restricted by the corrections staff.

Here are a few of the facilities using our books:

Johnston County Detention Center (Jail)
Wake County Jail/Public Safety Center and Hammond Road Annex (Jail)
North Carolina Correctional Institution for Women