JACKSON - The Department of Corrections held a ceremony Wednesday afternoon to mark the 50th anniversary of Dixon Correctional.

The event took place at the DCI Training Center in Jackson. Guests looked back at the prison's history and honored its commitment to rehabilitation.

Former employee Billy Jean Klein shared some of her experiences.

"I have made so many connections with people here, not only employees but the inmates as well," Klein said. "To me, my job was to lead, guide and direct and make sure that we were all secure in what we were doing."

The warden said they're planning some new initiatives, including faith-based programs for the inmates.