Sowing Seeds of Change: Interview with Warden Donald Beckwith of Wateree Correctional

How Wateree Correctional Facility Is Cultivating Hope and Hard Skills Through Brilliant Stewardship and Resourcefulness

Donald Beckwith serves as the warden of Wateree Correctional Institution, a medium, level 2 security facility for incarcerated men in South Carolina. Established in the 1890s, Wateree is the oldest prison in the state and carries a rich legacy of offering second chances through its distinctive agricultural and farming programs.

Now in his 17th year at Wateree, Warden Beckwith shares that he has no desire to serve anywhere else. His deep passion for reducing recidivism, crime, and addiction through agriculture and farming, while also equipping individuals with marketable job skills for future success, aligns seamlessly with the mission of the South Carolina Department of Corrections.

Warden Beckwith embodies what it means to lead with intention and by example. He lives on the farm as he teaches individuals to manage. His life reflects his belief in finding joy and purpose through cultivating God’s simple gifts. He embraces the toil required to sustain these blessings, modeling for the inmates a life of humility, stewardship, and dedication.

At the heart of his leadership is a belief that hands-on, hard work is the most effective way to teach his men. Through agricultural training, he aims not only to provide inmates with tools for future employment but also to help them encounter a path to success through the land and its resources. He hopes that each man is inspired by the fruits of his labor, realizing that with faith and hard work, a future full of promise is possible.  

During our visit, Warden Beckwith led members of the JUMPSTART SC team through a comprehensive tour of the facility. He showcased the various programs, services, and expansive farmland, illustrating how each component works together to fulfill the prison’s mission: preparing men to reenter society equipped for success, rather than return to a cycle of incarceration.  

Overview of the Wateree Prison Farm

The South Carolina Department of Corrections (SCDC) owns 10,000 acres of farmland, with 7,000 of those located on the grounds of Wateree Correctional Institution. This land plays a vital role in SCDC’s Agriculture and Food Services Division, as the crops and dairy products produced here help meet the nutritional needs of all 21 state prisons. Operated by Wateree inmates under the guidance of trained staff, the land primarily functions as a row crop and dairy farm. Any surplus is sold to surrounding communities, with the revenue reinvested into the agricultural program to fund operations and work toward the goal of complete self-sustainability. 

The overarching goal of this initiative is to maximize harvests and minimize food costs for the agency. By producing food internally, the program significantly reduces expenses for the department and state taxpayers.  

Let’s take a closer look at the programs run by Wateree Correctional and how each inmate plays a key role in its sustainability, while gaining essential life and job skills to support a successful, fulfilling life beyond incarceration.  Click each program title below to learn more:

As a final personal touch, Warden Beckwith planted a fruit orchard on the grounds as a tribute to his dedicated staff, those who work tirelessly each day to ensure Wateree’s land and operations run smoothly and effectively.  

ProvidingAcres of Opportunityfor Change

These initiatives not only provide enriching experiences for the community but also allow local stakeholders to personally witness how SCDC land is being used to care for both inmates and the broader community.  

“We take a holistic approach. None of what we produce has any harsh pesticides. We don’t try to manipulate nature; we are just utilizing all that God gives us."

This captivating statement from Warden Beckwith captures the heart of his mission.

SCDC and Wateree Correctional Institution were entrusted with thousands of acres of land and could have taken any route they desired to use it. Instead of exploiting it for their own benefit, Warden Beckwith took it as an opportunity to develop various, expansive agricultural initiatives that would serve the needs of SCDC and provide inmates with multiple skillsets required for high-demand, high-paying jobs. Warden Beckwith is committed to using his time, energy, and resources to provide inmates with opportunity, because he knows that CHANGE is possible for these inmates!

At JUMPSTART SC, our mission aligns closely with Warden Beckwith’s to help inmates believe that their future can be brighter than their past when they walk in the light of the Lord. It’s encouraging to see this shared vision reflected in the leadership at Wateree. While our approaches may differ, we are united in our goal: to equip incarcerated men with the faith, hope, and skills they need to break the cycle of incarceration and reenter society with purpose. 

Thank you to all those who made this trip possible, including Warden Beckwith, Chrysti Shain, and Joseph Cashion. Thank you for partnering with us to offer second-chance opportunities to those incarcerated in South Carolina. You are transforming lives!

💸 Every dollar you give fuels our 360-degree program… serving not only Wateree, BUT 19 out of 22 prisons across South Carolina! Would you consider sponsoring someone on their journey to make their future greater than their past in Christ? Click the link below!