LANSING, Kan. (KAKE) - A brand new program for one Kansas state prison is making a difference in recently released inmate's lives.  

“After wearing the same denim and t-shirt for so long, it was so, yeah it was liberating in a way,” said Brandon Barnhill, a previous resident of Lansing. 

Liberating is not usually how you describe prison; but, one prison program in Kansas is changing the narrative. 

Cassandra Thompson has only been a discharge planner at Lansing Correctional Facility for a year but she’s already felt a call to action.

“I really feel like we need to do something for these guys. Something that’s going to be impactful, long-lasting and something they need,” said Thompson.

It was on Thanksgiving during a conversation with her mother that Thompson came up with the idea. 

“It’s really hard for them to get a job and to find a place to stay and to get a foundation under them so if I can provide them a little bit of support by giving them some clothes they can go out on the street with, I’m happy with that,” said Thompson.

This Closet 4 Success was launched officially at the beginning of February but it’s already received more than 1,000 pieces of clothing entirely by donation.

Brandon Barnhill was recently released from Lansing after ten years and said the clothes he received were a blessing. 

“The stress of getting out after doing a stint, is you know, you got housing things, transportation things, clothing checked off the list so it takes something else off your plate,” said Barnhill.

Barnhill is one of more than 100 recently released residents of Lansing who have already utilized the Closet 4 Success. 

“It really just shows that they’re trying. That they’re trying to make a difference and they are trying to be returning citizens and being active and doing all the things to get their lives the way they want them,” said Thompson. 

Each inmate is given a form to fill out and request what kind of clothing they would like. They can even request professional clothing and receive a full suit. 

“It’s very interesting seeing that different side of them because I work with them in facility and then going in and being like, 'Okay what kind of clothes do you want when you leave,' and they’re like 'Oh I really want these or these' and I’m like oh I never really pictured you as a button up guy,” said Thompson. 

Each inmate that participates in the program is given a few donated outfits and brand-new underwear and socks upon release; but, it doesn’t stop at clothes. 

“If I know they’re going out homeless, I will put together a hygiene pack full of shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, toothbrush, all the things- chapstick, all the things they potentially would need just to survive," said Thompson. 

They eventually hope to give out hygiene products to all released inmates when they get more donations. 

Lansing is the first men's correctional facility in Kansas to have a success closet and organizers couldn't be happier with the results so far. 

“At the end of the day, they’re releasing. They’re in our community so why are we not going to provide them with everything that we can so they can be successful,” said Thompson. 

Although Lansing is the first men's correctional facility to have a program like this, organizers say they hope others follow suit. 

If you would like to donate clothing or hygiene items to the success closet, you can contact the organizers Cassandra Thompson at 785-260-4328 or Marcy Konkader at 913-226-6072. They will set up meetings and drop-off times for donations.