Criminal and Gang Members Anonymous held their graduation ceremony to honor participant’s dedication towards rehabilitation by pursuing a life of amends and atonement for the crimes they’ve committed.
Graduates and guests descended to the Garden Chapel for the 29 graduates whom shared their experiences and appreciation towards their sponsor, resident facilitators, and fellow graduates.
“This is just the beginning of a new life of being of service and helping others,” graduate Delfino P. Verdin said.
This program is based on the CGA 12-step recovery process, which allows individuals to “make meaningful gains in the recovery process,” according to the group’s curriculum.
CGA’s mission is to assist gang members and career criminals through their curriculum.
CGA of San Quentin “strives to be an agent of change and transformation [through the 12-step process]”, according to the program that was given during the ceremony.
The program gives the participants an opportunity to examine the addictive behaviors that led to illegal activities, regardless of social backgrounds. It identifies three phases in the cycle of addiction.
The Obsession: The irresistible and persistent idea, desire, or emotion to do something until, we convince ourselves to act.
Compulsion: To act on the persistent idea, desire or emotion, repeating the act over and over again, and justifying the action with the continuing force of ongoing obsession.
Progression: The longer we repeat the act the more the cycle spins out of control and gets worse.
“Throughout the 12-step program we come together. We address [participants] criminal way of thinking and their criminal lifestyle,” said Carlos “Coach” Smith, resident and CGA Chairman.
According to the CGA program pamphlet, “we strive to bring insight and awareness to the cycle of addiction, with open and honest conversations dealing with our criminal beliefs and behaviors, when it comes to the obsession, compulsion, and progression of our criminal lifestyles.”
Graduates received certificates for their completion of the program. Then they got to eat Subway sandwiches, chips, and drink bottled water.
San Quentin resident Amos “Famous” Carter provided entertainment with several original songs throughout the ceremony. Graduates said being honored and celebrated for their accomplishments moved them.
“This program has helped me in my daily actions and has given me the insight to remain non-violent and disciplinary free,” said John Rico a graduate. He added that this program afforded him the opportunity to recognize that he was a hurt person, which led to his criminal behavior.
“CGA is about believing that change is possible” said outside volunteer Marcy Ginsburg. She discussed the impact that CGA has had on her, and the fulfillment she receives from witnessing “men changing for the positive.”
“Rehabilitation requires their [members] full commitment and therefore, I give my full commitment to the program,” Ginsburg said.
CGA members mentioned how the program helped them understand their actions and acknowledged their growth.
“We’re honest, and even though I didn’t think I was a criminal, I was criminal thinking all the time,” graduate Antoine Brown stated.
Completing his first self-help group, graduate Joshua D. Smith said “It means a lot that people care about us outside of prison.” He expressed how much it meant to him and noted how the 12-step recovery process has “helped [him] to dig deep and see things [he] didn’t even realize.”
“Many of these people I have known for many years and some I just met, but your stories impact me the same,” said graduate Edward Moss. He mentioned this is one of his favorite groups and the impact his fellow graduates made on him.
After the ceremony, graduates interacted, had their photographs taken, and graduate Augustine Brady Godoy expressed, “CGA had a very positive impact. Positive, honest, real, and deep.”
Godoy detailed the circumstances surrounding his incarceration and how CGA allowed him to change. He said he looks forward to being able to share his truth in the future.
“I will be making amends for the rest of my life and will continue taking a personal inventory of myself,” Godoy said.
—Jordan Junious, Journalism Guild Writer, contributed to the story.
