The boys in the bunkhouse : servitude and salvation in the heartland
(Large Print)

Originally published: New York, NY : Harper, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers, 2016.

Includes bibliographical references (pages 509-514).

In the tiny Iowa farm town of Atalissa, a group of intellectually disabled men, all from Texas, lived in a tired old schoolhouse. Every morning, well before dawn, they were bussed to a processing plant to eviscerate turkeys in return for food, lodging, and $65 a month. From 1974 until 2009, the men lived in near servitude, enduring increasing neglect, exploitation, and physical and emotional abuse -- until state social workers, local journalists, and one tenacious government lawyer helped these men achieve their freedom. Dan Barry reveals how these men in an Iowa schoolhouse remained nearly forgotten for more than three decades. Drawing on interviews, he dives deeply into their lives, recording their memories and suffering, their tender moments of joy and persistent hopefulness -- their endurance of harrowing circumstances. Barry explores why this small heartland town remained all but blind to the men's plight, details how those responsible for such profound neglect justified their actions, and chronicles the lasting impact of a dramatic court case that has spurred advocates -- as well as President Obama -- to push for just pay and improved working conditions for people with disabilities.