Forty inmates received certificates of completion in October after graduating from a peer health program taught by Centerforce.
The graduation ceremonies were spread over two days. Prior to the graduations, two 11-week training sessions were held. During the sessions, the men learned about the pervading transmission and prevention of STDs and infectious diseases such as tuberculosis, Hepatitis A, B and C, HIV/AIDS, communication and other subjects.
“It’s been eye opening and inspirational. It’s a privilege to be here,” said Daniel Sterling, one of the inmate graduates.
Centerforce transitional case manager Shannon Gordhamer told the men, “In the history of the world there has never been another you, and there never will be.” She then quoted Gandhi: “Be the change you wish to see in the world.”
Another inmate said it was his second time taking the class and that he learns something new each time.
“It’s a very informative class,” said Khalil Thrower. “It has given me the skills to communicate more effectively about diseases.”
During the closing ceremony, each class participant was urged to continue with post-training knowledge and to recognize the bond formed with each other and skills acquired throughout the program.
“When we have these classes and I see a light go on (among students), that makes me feel motivated and inspired,” said Lonnie Morris, an incarcerated facilitator for the program. “This has been an enlightening experience for me.”
The atmosphere in the room was festive as the men applauded and cheered each other on. “Congratulations, brother” could be heard spoken from one inmate to another.
“I want to thank and commend you for being committed and consistent,” said Jessica McGhie, who is Centerforce’s manager of the peer health program and one of its transitional case managers. She said this is the third class she has taught at San Quentin. “I appreciated the opportunity to teach this class.”
A cultural ritual, marking the completion of each class, is to have the men form a circle. They then toss a ball of string to someone across the circle. As the process is repeated it eventually forms a web in the center; a symbol that reinforces their bond.
“Luz, vida, esperanza,” (light, life, hope) is what each man said as they wrapped the string three times around their hand. They then shared something experienced or learned in the class.
“I appreciate it so much,” said Samuel Woige as he thanked the class. He said a friend of his died of AIDS.
“I’ve learned that the information is priceless,” said Jessie Reed. “I took the class because I wanted to know more.”
Centerforce teaches four 11-week training sessions a year at San Quentin with an additional ongoing class to provide general information that meets on Fridays.
“Every person in a cell should take this class,” said Thrower. “It teaches you how to avoid certain things in prison.”
Centerforce is one the oldest groups at San Quentin. It was founded in 1975 “to address the needs of individuals, families and communities impacted by incarceration,” according to one of its pamphlets.
The program has been around for so long that people are familiar with it, McGhie said.
For more than 15 years, Centerforce has provided its peer education class at San Quentin. Today the program is offered at Central California Women’s Facility, Valley State Prison and Alameda County’s Santa Rita Jail, providing peer health education to more than 300 inmates a year.
McGhie said Centerforce’s transitional case managers assist men with parole dates to prepare for return to the community.
While Centerforce focuses on health and disease prevention in prison, it also provides parolees with housing referrals, links those with chronic illnesses to transitional case management providers and assists with education and employment goals.
Centerforce is a nonprofit organization funded by grants and donations. It is one of the primary sponsors of the annual TRUST Health Fair at San Quentin.
Centerforce literature says it “Hires, trains, supervises and supports people living in prison.”
At San Quentin, Centerforce’s primary staff of three includes Dr. Julie Lifshay, program specialist and project manager; McGhie, peer health program manager and transitional case manager; and Gordhamer, transitional case manager (Alameda County). Delores Lyles, Abayomi Brame and Jannette Smith work on the outside and come into San Quentin as needed. Larry Hill is the executive director based in Oakland.
Upon departing, one inmate said, “This class was really insightful; with all the information I learned it’s going to help me live a healthy life.”
