Allen County Community Corrections proudly celebrated its 40th anniversary on July 29, 2025, marking four decades of dedicated service to the citizens of Allen County.
News release from Allen County Community Corrections:
Allen County Community Corrections: Four Decades of Building a Safer and Stronger Community
Fort Wayne, Indiana (July 29, 2025) – Allen County Community Corrections (ACCC) proudly celebrated its 40th anniversary on July 29, 2025, marking four decades of dedicated service to the citizens of Allen County. Since its inception in 1985, ACCC has played a vital role in the local criminal justice system enhancing accountability and public safety, fostering rehabilitation in justice involved individuals, and strengthening the system through innovation, collaboration, and professionalism.
“For forty years, Allen County Community Corrections has been a cornerstone in the local justice system,” said Kim Churchward, Executive Director of ACCC. “We are proud of the impact we’ve made in the lives of the individuals we serve and the community we support. This milestone is a testament to the unwavering commitment of our team and the strong support of our stakeholders and partners.”
From its earliest days, ACCC has exemplified the highest standards of modern correctional practice. The agency’s dedicated professionals carry out a broad range of specialized duties critical to its operations—demonstrating exceptional commitment, integrity, and a deep sense of public service. Their work not only reduces recidivism but also provides life-changing opportunities for justice-involved individuals. “Under the leadership of its only two Executive Directors, Kim Churchward and Sheila Hudson, Community Corrections has utilized electronic monitoring and most recently residential placements to supervise criminal defendants. This enables them to work and seek rehabilitation, all while safeguarding the safety of our community. For the taxpayer this is much less costly than imprisonment,” said Michael McAlexander, Allen County Prosecutor and Community Corrections Advisory Board Chairman.
Over the years, ACCC has evolved into a model of innovation and adaptability. Through the critical implementation of all evidence-based practices, continuous quality improvement, and strategic partnerships with law enforcement, Courts, treatment providers, and local service organizations, ACCC has cultivated a collaborative approach that balances strong accountability with opportunity. Rev. Bill McGill, Sr. Pastor Imani Baptist Temple and Executive Pastor One Church One Offender shared, “For 40 years, Allen County Community Corrections has been providing the tools for participants to change gears, and as a consequence keeping our wider community safe from criminal fears”.
As part of a recent assessment conducted by the Indiana Department of Correction – Community Corrections Division in collaboration with the University of Cincinnati Corrections Institute, ACCC received high praise for its strong adherence to best practices. The evaluation, which reviewed agencies across Indiana based on five core domains—Leadership, Staff Characteristics, Assessments, Evidence-Based Practices (EBP) adherence, and Quality Assurance—noted ACCC as one of the highest-performing agencies in the state. In feedback shared directly with ACCC’s leadership, the agency was described as a “model site” frequently recommended to others for mentoring and support. ACCC’s work in the Evidence-Based Practices domain—recognized as one of the most complex areas—stood out as particularly strong in the evaluation, with the agency meeting key benchmarks that many others statewide have not yet achieved. The assessment team commended ACCC for its “leadership, dedication, and forward-thinking approach,” emphasizing that the agency has “shifted the paradigm” and “gone above and beyond in serving their clients and community as responsible and effective stewards of justice.”
As ACCC reflects on its past and looks toward the future, it remains steadfast in its mission to promote strict supervision and accountability, support rehabilitation, and enhance community well-being. The agency’s 40th anniversary not only honors its legacy but reaffirms its commitment to shaping a better Allen County for all.
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