-
September 2023 by William Nobles
I was at Dixon Springs from November 1994-March 1995… It was no joke all those years ago. It was more easy if you worked in the kitchen rather than the work crews… Officer Kraper and his Kraper climbers was the worst. If you did what you were told most officers just left you alone and did their job… But there were a few that made you want to fight them because they went above and beyond to pick on you. All in all it wasn’t a bad experience. I got in shape pretty quick.
-
July 2023 by Marcus Robinson
I was there 5/2010-09/2010. This at the time was massive wake up call for me. The first 30 days were astoundingly terrifying. I was 275lbs, out of shape, horrible health and horrible mindset. After the first 30 days, I really got into a groove. Really started to change my view on life and who I was. The guards here, most, not all, really did want you to become a better person, if you wanted to become one yourself. Merchant was a nightmare, but was hands down my favorite of all the guards. He pushed and pushed and pushed and to a lot it seemed like he just did it for his enjoyment but in reality, he was helping you break down who you were so you could become a better version of yourself. This place really gave me everything to becoming who I am today. I never returned to prison, I have a highly successful career as an insurance broker, I have a wife and children who I wouldn't have had it not been for the changes this program helped me achieve. I remember my first day there, when they had us strip and put on shorts and a shirt in the shower, they intentionally gave my overweight body the smallest pair of shorts and my junk fell out both sides and the guards, a lot of whom were new and in their first days of training, just lost their marbles and died laughing. I really appreciate everything I gained from this program and will always remember a select few inmates that went through this from day one with me. Some are not alive anymore, due to gang violence back home, but the lessons learned and the belief in myself gained will be something that no one can take away from me. Thank you Merchant, Nance, Hall, Robinson, Roberts. Just know, if you ever read this, that what you did for even just me helped change my life.
-
July 2023 by Penny Graves
I graduated in 2003, on my 3rd set of demerits card. Boi did I get broke off, with the 15 minutes of motivation pts. In 30 days, I was a beast wit it . PT, good for you, good for me.
-
March 2023 by Erik Parker
Iv been home for almost 7 years. The program works if you let it.
-
February 2023 by Steven McHenry jr
I was there in 1997 ,graduated in may ,it was the difference in me changing alot of things in my life ,mostly the way i Thought about different things. and probably the reason I'm not dead or in prison ,I think it's a great program and it saves young people's lives ,thank you to all the staff that worked there when I was there . It was tough no doubt but the feeling you get when your on the stage getting your graduation certificate is so good and you know you earned it because you cant skate through the program.
-
February 2023 by Jeremy Schmidt
summer 2005. after a few months in county jail and a 4 month wait at statesville, i finally got transferred to dixon springs IIP. best thing that ever happened to me. learned the value of hard work, and how to live with just the essentials. got fit, well fed, worked hard, and made some friends. shout out to brenner (even though he sent me seg for a month lol) officer clanahan - best work crew mowing lawns at the wardens house and on the farm, lieutenant nance with the great cadences, and the other officers who had an impact on my life. would recommend this over prison. 120 days - rough tough days. we are IIP!
-
February 2023 by Nelson Villa
I was here in 2005 when Katrina hit Texas. The white Sox won the World Series. I was sick. Brenner was the realist I’ve ever seen in the system. Nance and his cadences…. If you ever had a motivation day you didn’t want katermis!!!! He was the toughest c/o and would try and quit you all day. “Got your demerit card?” Lol that was Bates!!! Overall grateful I had the opportunity to go thru the program. It was my second chance. First time I went across the street from da county. Not too many people got the opportunity to do boot camp twice!!! If you know you know.
-
January 2023 by Thomas Bengtsen
I was there in summer of 2004, worst and best experience of my life. I was stuck in Statesville in g dorm for months waiting to get to boot camp. I loved the experience looking back years later, I traded 4 years for 4 months. I was on the paint crew, we painted the building that tan color, I remember Mendoza, Burns, and a handful of other inmates that will be in my brain and heart somewhere till the day I die. kinda like a Illinois convicts version of the movie stand by me
-
July 2022 by Anthony Hinojosa
Food was terrible and showers were freezing col. 10/10 will not be back!!
-
February 2022 by Charles Linzy
Changed my life on god best thing that I could of done
-
August 2021 by Jessica Cermak
Was here in 2005. It was scary at first but they taught me discipline and respect. Looking back it was fun AF in a way. M'aam Sellers, Johnson, quick and Patton were great role models and I hope they remember me lol. Hey dorky white girl stand up and enjoy your chow hehe.
-
July 2021 by Keith jones
Left 2005 summer on my 2 set of demerit cards I was not there to play I was facing 6 year I did the program I 120 days who remember office Bates old a*****
-
August 2020 by Anthony Quentere
Thank you my great home state of Illinois.
-
May 2020 by Downstroy99
I went through this program back In 97 i left there a better person and in the best shape possible , better then rotting in the joint ??
-
May 2020 by Maine064
This place have taught me so much IIP cant quit me
