
Oklahoma’s first Friends for Folks inmate dog training program began in 1990 at the men’s prison in Lexington. Its success, documented in the film “The Dogs of Lexington,” convinced the Department of Corrections to open a second program in January 2014 at Mabel Bassett women’s prison in McLoud, OK. A second film, “Bassett Tales,” premiered on OETA on July 30, 2015.
Friends for Folks is raising money (approximately $400,000) to build an education and dog training facility at Mabel Bassett women’s correctional facility in McLoud, Oklahoma. The Mabel Bassett program, established in 2014, is conducted in hallways, cells and the prison yard, conditions that have greatly challenged the program’s success. Friends for Folks’ ultimate goal is to expand its program into every correctional center in Oklahoma and success at Mabel Bassett is absolutely critical to achieving this goal.
The 2,500-square-foot Friends for Folks facility will include:
10 dog runs, providing inside and outside spaces for up to 20 dogs. A 625-square-foot classroom with media capabilities, where program participants will learn about dog training, but also have access to reading instruction, recovery programs, GED preparation, and vocational license training. A grooming room, where participants can be trained to become dog groomers, a potential job option when they are released from prison. An office for the program director and a library with books on dog care and training as well as other educational materials. A storage room for classroom chairs, dog leashes and other items. An exterior training yard and obstacle course for the dogs.
Board of Directors
Friends for Folks is a non-profit 501(c)(3) public charity. Each member on the Board generously donates their time and efforts to cultivate the growth and development of the Friends for Folks organization. It’s because of their passion and devotion that the Friends for Folks charity exists.
Eric Franklin
President
Eric Franklin is the Retired Deputy Medical Director of Department of Corrections.
Dr. Harry Wright, PhD
Vice President
Dr. Harry Wright, PhD, is a Professor of Psychology at University of Oklahoma.
Dr. Rosemarie Strong, DVM
Secretary
Dr. Rosemarie Strong, DVM is a Veterinarian at Memorial Road Pet Hospital. She is an external volunteer veterinarian for the Friends for Folks program at Mabel Bassett Correctional Center.
Marilyn Durbin, MA, CPCC
Treasurer
Marilyn Durbin, MA, CPCC is an external volunteer facilitator for the Life Anew program in Oklahoma Prisons.
Marva Perry, RN
Marva Perry, RN is a traveling nurse and advocate for children of the incarcerated..
Joe C. Kernke, Jr.
Former President
Joe C. Kernke, Jr. is businessman and owner of Smith&Kernke Funeral Homes.
Bo Cox
Bo Cox is a published author and the Recreational Manager for Griffin State Hospital. He and his service dog Hope, volunteer their time visiting people hospitalized at Griffin State Hospital.
Dr. Lee Denney, DVM
Dr. Lee Denney, DVM is the Speaker Pro Tempore, Representative of the Oklahoma House of Representatives.
H.E. “Gene” Rainbolt
H.E. “Gene” Rainbolt is a businessman and Chairman of BancFirst Corporation.
Kris Steele
Kris Steele is the Executive Director of TEEM and Former Speaker of the House in the Oklahoma House of Representatives.
Cheryl Engelaer
Cheryl Engelaer is businesswoman and owner of Results Count Marketing and Belle Kitchen.
Dr Susan Sharp, PhD
Dr Susan Sharp, PhD, is a professor of Sociology at University of Oklahoma.
Sharon Heatly
Sharon Heatly is the Director of Guidance and Counseling at Norman Public Schools.
Ron Pandos
Ron Pandos is a U.S. Veteran and the Director of the Battle Buddies program for Veterans.
Advisory to the Board
Lee Fairchild
Clare McClernon