It is in southwest Iowa on the grounds of the Clarinda Treatment Complex.

As of January 22, 2017, the prison houses about 973 inmates, while another 137 are in the Lodged section, and the facility employs 287 people.

The facility was established in 1980 as a medium security facility that houses male inmates who are intellectually disabled, mentally ill, sex offenders, or have other social problems.

TOW uses a phase system based on the principles of Alcoholics Anonymous.

There are also educational opportunities for inmates, as well as social skills development classes, and work details both in and outside the facility.