San Quentin’s Voluntary Education Program has grown in the past several months adding five positions to the existing two.
Six VEP teachers now operate as Literacy Coordinators out of the Education C Building, and one position is yet to be filled. Each coordinator maintains a roster of 120 students, resulting in services to 720 students. Participants can earn GEDs, college degrees, milestone credits, and life skills competencies.
Participation in VEP is voluntary, unlike the ABE Program in which students are assigned based on educational accomplishment. A student can be enrolled in VEP and assigned to a job simultaneously.
“For so many students’ educational success isn’t a matter of mental horsepower, but a matter of engaging their motivational transmissions, said VEP coordinator G. Young.
“VEP gives students the option of accelerated growth.” Fellow coordinator K. Williams agrees, “VEP students are highly motivated.”
VEP coordinators are equally motivated to provide a full service educational experience, D. Searle provides GED math instruction Tuesdays, 1-2pm in Education Building C2, and J. Kaufman provides GED essay writing workshops there Thursdays, 1-2pm. VEP college students work mostly in Room C1, where coordinators facilitate learning activities for students enrolled in a half dozen different colleges, universities and trade schools. Building C1 and 2 classroom doors are open for students Monday through Thursday, 8am to 2:30 pm.
“One-on-one direct instruction gives the student confidence to discuss a learning problem without embarrassment, while the study hall format, and the additional teachers, assures that someone is always there to help,” said VEP Coordinator D. Bray.
“VEP evolved out of the Independent Study and Distance Learning programs that had been established some years ago at some of the institutions,” said T. Bolema, who has facilitated such programs both at Lancaster and San Quentin.
“Program success depends on the amount of support that management is willing to extend to a non-traditional learning model. Meeting the needs of VEP students is a challenge, but with the increased staff, and the inmate clerks’ and tutors’ assistance, so far so good,” said Bolema.
“About 20 percent of our students are ready to take their GED, 40 percent are taking college courses, and another 40 percent are preparing for the GED,” said Kaufman.
Along with C1 and 2 classroom activities, VEP coordinators also work with students in the Condemned Unit, South Block, the Hospital, PIA, and the Firehouse.
Archives for December 2012
S.Q. Education Dept. Gets Grant Support For College Supplies
The Voluntary Education Program at San Quentin received an $80,000 grant for college textbooks from the California State Library. Tom Bolema, literacy coordinator of college programs at San Quentin, said, “This is the greatest thing that ever happened!”
Typically a textbook costs from $40 to $200, which many inmate students can’t afford. Principal Tony Beebe of the Burton Adult School at San Quentin said the cost of textbooks is the “single largest barrier to inmate college participation.”
The grant was provided specifically for college course textbooks. Bolema said the books “will help give inmates the tools necessary for success in mainstream society.” He said that education and literacy are keys to lowering the recidivism rate.
Currently, about two out of every three inmates who are released return to prison. Studies indicate that inmates who participate in prison education programs have a lower chance of doing so, according to Debora Lynch of the California State Library.
Bolema chose which books to buy for the San Quentin classes. He ordered 10 books for each of the Coastline College and Lassen College classes he facilitates. The Voluntary Education Program coordinators at San Quentin act as conduits to a dozen or so colleges.
Beebe said San Quentin and Ironwood prisons received money through the grant. He noted the state has budgeted funds this year for the purchase of books for students at other prisons as well.
“It’s a no-brainer,” said San Quentin inmate Barry Jameson. “Buying books instead of more cells only makes sense,” he added.
Society can generate investment returns on the money because rather than returning to prison, the students can now become tax-paying citizens, Jameson commented. “Do you want a person with a college degree getting out of prison, or a person who has spent the past 15 years working out and learning more criminal stuff?” he added.
Now “hundreds of inmates will be able to complete college classes they might not otherwise have been able to complete,” Bolema said. Thanks to the funding, San Quentin inmates are now on a broader path to literacy, and have more resources to complete an associate’s degree.
In addition to the college textbooks, the Voluntary Education Program received a large number of recreational reading books.
H-Unit Self Awareness Program Celebrates its 10th Anniversary
A decade ago, H-Unit began running a number of self-help programs designed to draw awareness to the need for emotional growth and personal empowerment. Now, as a result of the efforts of both staff facilitators and inmate-participants, the H-Unit Stand Up! program continues to help inmates develop their communication skills.
COMMEMORATION
In commemoration of 10 years of Stand Up!, participants recently organized an ice cream and cake social in the H-Unit dining hall. “Our hope is to use this celebration as a welcoming beacon to the general population that these worthwhile programs are here to help improve their lives,” said Stand Up! facilitator Jim Ward.
More than 150 inmate representatives from the various Stand Up! programs — such as Victims Offender Education Group, IMPACT, Non-Violent Communication and This Sacred Space — attended the commemoration.
The consensus among those in attendance was that, if a person has a desire to change and a willingness to make certain sacrifices, then Stand Up! can change their lives.
“Stand Up! means I get a chance to experience a real life that I never thought possible,” said Steve McAllister, a participant in VOEG and several 12-step programs.
Other inmates who have taken advantage of Stand Up! share McAllister’s feelings.
“The program has made me more aware of personal issues I need to address,” said inmate Cleo Franks, who participated in Non-Violent Communication. “Stand Up! is preparing me to make better choices when I parole.”
SUPPORT
The Stand Up! program has garnered a tremendous amount of collective group support from the general population. Ward and his staff of inmate workers advocate the program as a creative outlet for productive change. The group holds “Stand Up!” orientations every Wednesday for all H-Unit inmates from 10 a.m. to noon.
Athlete of the Year Named
San Quentin’s sports leaders have overwhelmingly elected Carlyle White Otter Blake as the 2012 San Quentin Athlete of the Year.
In 2012 Blake played right field for the San Quentin A’s baseball team, running back for the San Quentin All-Madden flag football team, and led his intramural league basketball team in scoring.
“Special thanks for all the guys who voted for me as the athlete of the year and all the people I’ve played with,” said Blake. “It’s a blessing to get past the boundaries and for guys to recognize my talents.”
Blake has been involved in sports since he was very young, growing up in poverty on a reservation in Hoopa, California. He wrestled and played football for Hoopa High School. “I was raised in sports. I look up to Jim Thorpe,” a Native American professional football player who played running back, said Blake. He also played in basketball and softball tournaments outside of high school, and wrestled in cage fights at the Blue Lake casino in his hometown.
“When it comes to athletics, my skills come naturally. It’s my God-given ability,” said Blake.
He credits his grandfather, Carlson, for his motivation to play hard. “He always told me if you’re going to do something, do it 100 percent. So I took it to heart and give it my all when I’m playing,” he said.
He honors Carlson and his grandmother for supporting him throughout his life. “My mother passed away when I was very young,” he said. “My grandmother, Carmen Cane, has always been there for me. She never gave up on me. My grandparents raised me in a good structured home and I have always been really in tune with my native culture and ceremonies.”
He expressed how if he had a chance to do things over he would have stayed away from bad influences and stayed in school.
“Playing sports in prison helps me stay focused on positive things. I get to be around positive people and have positive results,” he said.
Now he considers himself a student athlete, taking classes with San Quentin’s Prison University Project. He also participates in restorative justice programs.
A Coach’s Summary
In a successful flag-football season, defense is an area of improvement, according to Head Coach Isaiah Thompson-Bonilla and wide receiver Dwight Kennedy.
Coach Thompson-Bonilla envisioned All-Madden becoming a professional and organized program. ‘I wanted to infuse a sense of professionalism with respect to how the coaches and the team went about their business,” he said. “To do that, the coaches and I had to lay the foundation by implementing responsibility and accountability as a part of the criteria for playing on this team.”
His vision became reality and the All-Madden team went on to finish the season with a winning record. “I believe the season was a huge success despite being truncated due to a late start,” he explained. “The goal was to go undefeated, and that was our mindset all year. However, we suffered a one-point loss to the Gridiron Boys and we finished the season 4-1.”
Kennedy discussed their area of improvement going into next season. He said, “I believe with the talent that the Madden team possesses, we can be much stronger on defense.”
“We will practice more intently on applying the principles of our zone coverage next season,” said Coach Thompson-Bonilla. “Despite our ability to win, we allowed our opponents to score when we should have stopped them. While opponents obviously will score, it should never come via a blown assignment.”
Kennedy explained how he could work harder as an individual to improve the team. “I can improve by continuing to work hard, grow, and stay consistent,” he commented.
S.Q. Kings Season Reviewed
The season was successful, but could have been better, Coach Orlando Harris and forward Paul Davidson of the San Quentin Kings’ 40-and-over basketball team said.
“We finished the season 11-6 and we lost three of those games by one point,” said Coach Harris. “We under-achieved.”
He explained his regrets about letting his players play in the intramural league. “There was a lot of wear and tear on their bodies, considering the practices, the regular season games, as well as the intramural league games,” Harris said.
“If I had a chance to start all over again, my coaching style would remain the same,” he said. “I communicated well. My coaching style worked, my players bought into my style, and they learned communication and life skills.”
He named Davidson his team’s Most Valuable Player. “He is the heart and soul of the team,” said Harris. “He started the season averaging 30 points a game.”
“I like the acknowledgment, although I’m more of a team player and not about individual awards,” said Davidson. “Coach Harris and I worked well together. He told me what he wanted me to do, and I did it.”
Outsiders Ball Team Routs Kings 70 to 63
Team returns to San Quentin to finish season with a win against the Kings
The San Quentin Kings 40-and-over basketball team could not respond to the Outsiders’ three-point shooting in the fourth quarter, losing the game 70-63.
Tied 46-46 with 12 minutes left in the fourth quarter, the Outsiders went on to drain five three-pointers.
Mark S. of the Outsiders started it off, burying a three-pointer from the left corner to break the tie.
Kings guard Orlando Harris countered with a three-pointer to retie the game at 49-49
The Outsiders struck back with back-to-back three-pointers by Mark S. and Tom T. to take a 55-49 lead.
“This was the best game I played since I’ve been coming here,” said Mark S.
The Kings struck back as guard Billy Wilson pulled up from the top of the key and drained a three-pointer. Kings forward Paul Davidson followed with a strong post move to decrease the Outsider’s lead to 55-54.
After T. Jones of the Kings knocked down a fade-away jumper to take a 56-55 lead, the Outsiders followed with three consecutive points to regain a 58-56 lead and never looked back.
“This is the best game I played
since I’ve been coming here”
“We gave up a lot of second chance points the last time we were here,” said Mark S. “So this time we tried to limit them and score second-chance points of our own.”
Mark S. scored a game-high 21 points. He played junior varsity basketball at Grasberg High School in Wisconsin.
Davidson finished with a team high 17 points.
Veterans Battle it Out on the Softball Field
On a crisp and clear November morning, the Vietnam Veterans Group of San Quentin held its inaugural Camaraderie Softball game.
Armed with bat, gloves, and the indomitable spirit of competition, group members and one honorary draftee stormed San Quentin’s Field of Dreams ready for action. In keeping with a Civil War theme, Ernie Vick was selected as general of the blue team, the Damn Yankees. Kenneth Goodlow was appointed commander of the gray’s Johnny Rebels. Once the teams were selected, the stage was set for a historic softball Civil War.
As the game got under way, Gary Harrell was drafted to serve as the all-time pitcher. When asked about his participation, he replied “Usually, I’m a man of peace, but these feisty veterans really got me fired up. It’s an honor and a privilege to take part in this friendly battle alongside men who have served our country.”
The Rebels took an early one-run lead with hits by Darryl Farris, Johnny Gomez, and the fleet-footed Harry Barton. The Yankees rallied back as Larry Faison, Greg Sanders, and Jim Snider launched bombs of their own into the outfield, taking the lead 4 to 1.
In the second inning, both teams got dirty in the trenches and really gave it their all. The Rebels scored another run, but once again the Yankees rallied with three of their own.
‘No guts, no glory’
With the bases loaded and two outs, General Vick headed to the plate with bat in hand. He recalled thinking, “No guts…no glory. I can end this now.” With his head held high, he walked back to the dugout thinking, “Strikeouts, like war, are hell.”
Going into the final inning, the Rebels were down 7 to 2. The comeback charge was mounted with a valiant insurgence of offense from Jesse Hernandez and David Tarvan. Yankee shortstop John Johnston dug in with two spectacular plays to first baseman Garvin “JoJo” Robinson. The Rebels managed to score two additional runs, but in the end it wasn’t enough. Our nation’s history has repeated itself and The Damn Yankees once again seized the day with a 7-4 victory.
After the game, the two teams circled up and each expressed their appreciation for the sportsmanship and camaraderie that was displayed. General Goodlow summed up the day by saying, “We may have lost, but getting out here with my brothers was a really nice and genuine experience. Once I get over this soreness, I’ll be ready for a rematch. So, look out!”
The VVGSQ is issuing a challenge to all outside veterans groups who would be interested in playing the San Quentin squad on the notorious Field of Dreams. To accept the challenge, contact Chief Sponsor Lt. K. Evans at San Quentin, (415) 454-1460 ext. 5205.
Warriors’ Season Ends in a Loss
After a disappointing season, Coach Daniel Wright said he expects improvements next year for the San Quentin Warriors’ basketball team.
“We had our good and bad moments.
We learn from each other…”
The Warriors finished the 2012 season below .500.
For next season, Wright said, “I’m going to have an open tryout. No one has a spot right now and with the new influx of talent, I believe we will have a better season.”
As for the 2012 season, “I accept a lot of the responsibility for not preparing my players in practice and in games,” said Wright. “I was disappointed about the season, considering all the talent we had. I thought we had our highs and we had our lows.”
Regrets
Wright said, “I probably should have stressed defense, rebounds and some of the X’s and O’s a little more in depth.”
“I feel like the season was a seesaw,” said guard Joshua Burton. “We had our good and bad moments. We learned from each other and grew as men with each other.”
Wright named Allan McIntosh the Most Valuable Player of the Warriors’ season.
“I’m proud of the honorable recognition, knowing I came in half way through the season,” said McIntosh. “I’m honored for that and I do accept it.”
Wright also recognized the play of a few more of his players. He said, “I liked the consistent intensity that Jhavonte Carr, Burton, Rafael Cuevas and Richard ‘Mujahid’ Munns brought to every game. I knew they were going to play hard for me.”
Inaugural Class Celebrates Completion
A program aimed at helping prisoners overcome anger issues held its first graduating class for 30 men.
Called Guiding Rage Into Power, or GRIP, is a self-help program for changing lives.
MOTHER’S VIEW
“I think it’s a wonderful experience, being here to see him, I’m very proud of him,” said Janet Buckley, mother of Michael Tyler, one of the graduates at the November graduation. “I really enjoy seeing the progress he’s making. All the programs he’s taking inside, he can take out into society,” added Doris Earsery, Tyler’s aunt.
The violence-prevention, emotional-intelligence, and life-skills program was developed by Jacques Verduin. The 52-week program teaches offenders how to understand and transform violent behavior and replace it with an attitude that helps them comprehend the origins of anger. Participants develop skills to track and manage strong impulses before they are acted out in destructive ways.
A major component of the program is that it functions as a peer education model, where experienced students co-facilitate the classes and mentor newer students. Students sign a pledge to become a non-violence person and peacemaker.
COMMUNITY
Verduin said GRIP gives the community more direct involvement in how justice is administered through its connection to offenders.
“I’m here to learn more and it looks like an important program for inmates to do good work and work on themselves,” said author Lindsey Crittendon. His book, The Water Will Hold You, tells the story about how he came to terms with the murder of this brother.
The GRIP approach as been developed over 17 years of working with thousands of prisoners, mostly at San Quentin State Prison.
“We are not hiding or running. We’ve stopped that. We are no longer a problem we are a part of the solution,” said facilitator Robin Guillen.
GRIP is recognized by the Marin Probation Department as a program that meets the needs of parolees who must take a 52-week court-ordered domestic violence program before release to the community. It also is able to certify prisoners as facilitators of domestic violence prevention as a job skill.
PARTICIPANTS
GRIP facilitators are Robin Guillen, John Neblett, Richard Poma, and Randy Maluenda
List Of Graduates: Edward C. Ballenger, Gordon L. Brown, Sr., Derrick Cooper, Michael Endres, Robert D. Frye, Eddie D. Herena, Bernard Moss, Arlyis Peters, Alexi Ruiz, Michael Tyler, Dominique Whitaker, Borey Ai, David Baker, Travis Banks, Eric Boles, Gary Calhoun, Bruce Cooper, Andrew Gazzeny, Richard Honea, Stephen Yar Liebb, Alton McSween, A. Terrell Merritt, Vaughn Miles, Edgar Moore, Jr., Kevork Parsakrian, Dave Robinson, Ron G. Self, Darryll Sherman, Perry Simpson, Phang Nou Thao, and Binh Vo.
More information is available at Insight-Out: P.O. Box 888, Woodacre, CA 94973, jverduin@comcast.net and www.insight-out.org.