A new program offering bachelor’s degrees to prison inmates is thriving in Los Angeles County. “It’s about making people who can reach all their potential,” said Bidhan Roy, an English professor for the program at Lancaster in the Mojave Desert. The bachelor’s program allows each student to take up to two classes per semester. It currently relies mostly on donations and/or private money from the nonprofit Renewing Communities. This nonprofit gave the school $256,984 as a three-year grant for the classes. California now spends nearly … [Read more...] about California expands higher education access for prisoners
Prison Programs
Valley State Prison honors program participants
Its annual Motivational Tour highlighted the group's progress By Joseph Hader, Contributing Writer For the past three years, the Youth Offender Program has held its annual Motivational Tour at Valley State Prison, celebrating its progress and honoring its participants and supporters. This year’s event was a bit different, however, more inclusive, more outside-the- box. The annual event had more entertainment and musical performances than ever before, including a first- time prison performance by the Grammy award-winning R&B … [Read more...] about Valley State Prison honors program participants
Ministry volunteers bring message of hope to San Quentin inmates
Where would you run for cover and whom would you take with you if you woke up tomorrow and the world had come to an end? Ask Pastor Tom Pham and his minis- try team these questions and they’ll tell you exactly what they would do – that is, running to God for cover and taking with them as many lives as possible. It is this spirit that brought Pastor Tom, Pastor Loc, and Sister Kim to San Quentin many years ago. They have traveled a long distance; for Pastor Loc, it is an hour-long drive. Each owns a small business and has so many errands to … [Read more...] about Ministry volunteers bring message of hope to San Quentin inmates
Two restorative justice classes celebrate completion
Incarcerated men and community members from the local San Francisco Bay Area met in San Quentin’s Protestant Chapel on Aug. 16 to celebrate the graduation of two restorative justice programs. The Victim Offender Education Group (VOEG pronounced “vogue”) and Next Step honored dozens of incarcerated men who completed the year- long programs, sponsored by Insight Prison Project (IPP). “The transformation I see in so many of you is why we keep doing the work that we do,” said IPP Executive Director Leonard Rubio. Rubio talked about the … [Read more...] about Two restorative justice classes celebrate completion
KidCAT members unite and bid farewell as leadership roles transition
Youth offenders and prisoners focus on incorporating the entire community The latest graduating cycle of KidCAT’s First Step curriculum marked the end of a distinct era in this ground- breaking program’s history. The youth offender support community celebrated and said heartfelt goodbyes on June 30 to four of its outside volunteer facilitators—and also to inside lead facilitator, Fateen Jackson, who was found suitable for parole and returned to society oct. 1. “It’s a bittersweet experience that several of us are leaving the … [Read more...] about KidCAT members unite and bid farewell as leadership roles transition
They found a home among others with similar stories
On May 1, the first Transgender Support Group began at San Quentin Prison with two mental health clinicians and me as an adviser on Wednesdays in the hospital, so the transgenders can support each other as a group. The group meets from 1:30-3 p.m. on the second floor of the hospital with J. Lopez and J. Spohn, who both have a master’s degrees in social work. Lopez has a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology. “The transgender group is needed because this population of people is marginalized, and the group offers a place for medical and … [Read more...] about They found a home among others with similar stories
21st century training for a brighter job future
By, Juan Haines and Michael Johnson, Senior Editor and Staff Writer. Top officials from the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR), as well as personnel from Governor Gavin Newsom’s office, celebrated the graduation of dozens of prisoners who completed highly touted apprenticeship programs geared to pre-pare them for 21st century jobs once released from prison. “This is a milestone—a turning point in your life,” said San Quentin Warden Ron Davis to the 35 incarcerated graduates amid the large audience that … [Read more...] about 21st century training for a brighter job future
Construction training offers increased job opportunities
A vocational program is changing lives and instilling hope for a positive future for San Quentin prisoners. The construction skills program enables prisoners to qualify for a number of career certifications and union memberships. “This is a tough program that consists of 640 classroom hours, tests, workbook assignments and 280 hours of on-the-job training,” said Lauro Perez, instructor for the Career Technical Education (CTE) construction program. This program is also a part of the California Prison Industry Authority (PIA) and … [Read more...] about Construction training offers increased job opportunities
Celebrating a community led by peaceful intention
Lyricist Ashanti The 2019 Day of Peace Celebration was a festival of music and healing featuring dynamic outsider performers and San Quentin talent. “This music brings tears to my eyes. It’s touching my soul, lowering my anxiety and depression,” said inmate J.O. Chisom. “It’s saving me from my inner thoughts as we speak.” “I feel blessed every time I come here” The celebration on July 13th opened with prayers from Native American chaplain Hector Heredia, Christian Chaplain Mardi Jackson, and Islamic Community member Roosevelt … [Read more...] about Celebrating a community led by peaceful intention
Original play offers intimate look at doing time in prison
Instructors and the performers of Theatre Workers Project’s More Than A Number Behind miles of razor wire and an electric fence, 23 prisoners housed in California State Prison – Los Angeles County (Lancaster) performed an original theater piece titled “More than a Number.” For 10 weeks, the men gathered in the same place, at the same time, in preparation for their performances for the Theatre Workers Project led by Susie Tanner. “I am touched by the humanity and willingness of the men and women to share” Like clockwork, … [Read more...] about Original play offers intimate look at doing time in prison