Prison Programs

By Noel Scott Journalism Guild Writer Providing inmates with valuable skills that they can utilize for employment once out of prison became a priority for Beverly Parenti and her husband, Chris Redlitz, after a visit to San Quentin State Prison five years ago. “Our mission is to provide marketable skills that will result in gainful employment,” said Parenti in an interview with CBS SF Bay Area News. “We believe that having a job is truly the key to successful re-entry.” Parenti and Redlitz, who spent years working in the high-tech … [Read more...] about Beverly Parenti Awarded for Her Work With SQ Inmates

California’s new corrections secretary says he plans to use more county jail prisoners instead of state prisoners for the firefighters program, The Associated Press reported. “As we expand to the county level, I think it’s going to be able to keep our fire camp population at a right, reasonable level,” said Scott Kernan, who recently took over as secretary of the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. Kernan said he has made agreements with 12 county sheriffs and four more are pending to send county inmates to the state’s fire camp … [Read more...] about CDCR to Expand Inmate Firefighting Program

By Rahsaan Thomas Journalism Guild Chairman Ten San Quentin residents have graduated from a pre-apprentice construction labor program that will help them get jobs when they return home. “We want you to be successful out on the streets,” Prison Industry Authority (PIA) Administrator Rusty Bechtold told them. “You go out there with the knowledge and skill to join the labor union.” Bechtold called finishing the program a milestone that will help the men find success. Graduates of the laborer-training program get several benefits when … [Read more...] about Trade Program Assists Graduates for Re-entry

By Rahsaan Thomas Staff Editor Chanda Wilson says she teaches yoga to San Quentin prisoners because it helps them transform their lives. That was her answer when a health care worker once asked her, “Why are you going into San Quentin?” “If we all did our part, society could change,” Wilson said. “I feel like this work chose me.” Having grown up in Flint, Mich., Wilson has seen poverty and death. This keeps her from judging others. “We all have issues. We all suffer. We all have struggles. We all have committed acts of violence with … [Read more...] about Yoga Instructor Chanda Wilson Helps Change Prisoners’ Lives

By Steven Harris Journalism Guild Writer About 40 San Quentin inmates were introduced to Buddhist meditation in a recent half-day retreat. Leading the session was Ralph Steele, a meditation teacher, former monk and Vietnam combat veteran. He began by telling inmates not to focus on the word “Buddhist.” “Just do the practice,” Steele told the gathering in the Catholic Chapel. “This is an experiment in cleansing and management.” He instructed the students to “elevate and lift” their heads. “Practice not blinking (your eyes) to … [Read more...] about Meditation Teacher Brings His Wisdom to S.Q. Prisoners