More than 55 inmates at the Two Rivers Correctional Institution minimum security facility welcomed family members from all over the state Sunday for their annual Families Aiding in Rehabilitation picnic.

The event, which is paid for by the inmates attending the event and is organized by officers and officials at the facility, serves as an incentive and rehabilitative exercise for the inmates at the institution.

Sherry Iles, TRCI public information officer, said the gathering is more than just an opportunity for inmates to see their family members. She said a crucial part of their rehabilitation process stems from the support received from and communication with family members.

The main benefit of seeing their children and families is that it helps get them acclimated back into society, she said.

Iles said not only does it help the inmates, themselves, but reduces the likelihood that their children or other family members will make similar bad decisions and end up in a correctional institution in the future.

Additionally, children of incarcerated parents are also at increased risk of developing anti-social behaviors.

She said events like the picnic help to reduce those behaviors and encourages inmates to practice positive social behaviors.

Iles said, to attend the picnic, inmates must have no disciplinary action on record. Many helped set up for the event and spent the day, from 8 a.m. until about 3:30 p.m., visiting with family members, playing games and activities and enjoying a barbecue meal.

Inmate Mike Hikes said he likes the opportunity to invite his family out as he only gets to see them about once a year. He said he and his family are from Eugene, which is about four and a half hours away.

I like it, he said. It is a good atmosphere. Everyone is enjoying themselves.

Inmate Taylor Olson, who has a history of violent behavior, said events like the picnic help keep him accountable for his actions.

It keeps you grounded, Olson said. It is easy to fall back with aggressive behavior surrounded by this environment. So, I dont want to make mistakes and lose privileges.

Olson said it is also the only opportunity he has to play with his son, Brayden Olson, like he would normally outside the prison walls.

He said he and his family are from Lebanon, which is about a five-hour drive from the prison.

I get to see him about once every six-months, but we are stuck in a visiting room, he said. There is a playroom, but I get yelled at if my kid is loud.

Inmate Les Doty used the picnic as an opportunity to visit and play basketball with his 2-year-old grandson, Cannon Prince Calhoun.

Its a great atmosphere for our family, he said.

Following lunch, many participated in potato sack races, where first the children had a go, before the inmates try out the event themselves.

Many then played a few rounds of bingo, which brought smiles to everyone in the yard.

They are so different when they are around their families, Iles said.