Inmates at Central New Mexico Correctional Facility have made a beautiful new sign for Joy Junction, which will be presented to the shelter and mounted at its Second Street entrance.

The short ceremony will take place at 10.00 a.m. on July 20.

The cooperation between Joy Junction and the correctional facility was initiated at a meeting with New Mexico Department of Corrections Secretary Joe Williams and a number of prison wardens.

Central's Warden Anthony Romero authorized his staff to start small, and the sign project was born.

Joy Junction Founder and CEO Dr. Jeremy Reynalds said he really appreciates Williams and Romero.

"Along with my colleague Kathy Sotelo I had the opportunity to tour Central a few weeks ago, as well as spend some time with Warden Romero. I was so impressed with his concern for Central inmates and his commitment to helping them do something positive for the community."

Reynalds added, "I hope this positive act by Warden Romero, his staff and Central inmates gets a lot of attention. It's rare that there's a positive story about those in prison."

Reynalds said he really appreciates Secretary Williams getting the ball rolling, and hopes that this initial project will lead to many future cooperative efforts between Joy Junction and the New Mexico Dept. of Corrections.