The Marion Correctional Facility is a medium security prison home to 2,283 inmates. Ohio’s crime rate is slightly higher than the national average. In order to keep recidivism rates down, there must be programs in place to help correct wrong behavior. Prison is a place for rehabilitation, not a place for society to throw away people that are unwanted. The Horizon Communities in Prison program is a multi-faith religious program that aims to prepare incarcerated individuals for entry back into society.

This collection of images was made over a five month period and is part of an ongoing essay. I have always been interested in the prison system and want to continue doing work regarding corrections. The people I met there were wonderful human beings that had just made mistakes. I felt very comfortable and welcome every time I went to visit.

Dustin Franz is a student at Ohio University studying photojournalism with a specialization in sociology. Dustin is a hard working and compassionate individual and pushes to show that in his work. When not behind the camera, Dustin likes to ride his bike, cook good food, and take it easy. You can see more work at http://dcfranzphoto.blogspot.com