1) California Health Care Facility (CDCR Press Release) – Bridging the Gap, a program in which incarcerated individuals share their life experiences and perspectives with newly assigned correctional officers, has been successful. “The program provides valuable insight, builds understanding, and strengthens working relationships between staff and the incarcerated population,” said a CDCR press release. Developed a year ago at California Health Care Facility, the program aims to build trust, respect, and working relationships between staff and the incarcerated population.
2) California Medical Facility (CDCR Press Release) – The facility hosted International Overdose Awareness Day. Nonprofits Urban Alchemy and the CROP organization offered residents housing and employment resources. The CMF Integrated Substance Use Disorder Treatment team offered residents information and resources to combat the overdose crisis. “By coming together, incarcerated individuals, staff and community partners are taking meaningful steps toward breaking stigma, spreading knowledge, and building pathways to recovery,” said the CDCR press release.
3) Mule Creek State Prison (CDCR Press Release) – MCSP celebrated eight incarcerated residents who completed the Pre-Apprentice program, an extension of the Correctional Construction Mentorship program that started in 2002. CCM created the Pre-Apprentice program in 2011 as a pilot program with California Institution for Men in Chino, Calif. “Each participant must attend four hours classroom training and 36 hours of field training per week,” the press release said. “They must complete 120 hours of classroom training to receive a certificate of completion.”
4) Pelican Bay State Prison (CDCR Press Release) – Incarcerated firefighters moved beyond battling wildfires to perform field maintenance and facility cleanup for the Del Norte Little League’s 30th Anniversary celebration. “The firefighters’ efforts at Pyke Field in Crescent City demonstrated commitment to their local community, highlighting connections between the prison and Del Norte Little League,” the press release said. The initiative, developed by resident Anthony Gonzales, displayed the thoughtful mindset of incarcerated people seeking broader community engagement and impactful ways to effect change in the community.
5) Centinela State Prison (CDCR Press Release) – Incarcerated residents at Centinela helped raise funds to buy shoes for 169 disadvantaged children in Imperial County. The partnership between incarcerated people, local schools and churches, child services agencies, and the El Centro Sketchers shoe store provided funds and volunteers who assisted children in picking out a pair of new shoes in the store. The festivities included shaved ice, popcorn, and cupcakes that the children enjoyed with their families.
6) Avenal State Prison (CDCR Press Release) – Residents, staff, and family members celebrated the graduating class of the Intellimen program. The program teaches incarcerated people techniques to develop emotional regulation, character, and spiritual growth. The Universal Beyond Bars group created the course in 2019. “These ceremonies remind those who live and work inside prisons that even behind bars, redemption is always within reach,” the press release said.7) Substance Abuse Treatment Facility (CDCR Press Release) – Residents in Facility E held a wheelchair basketball game that exuded resilience and sportsmanship for everyone, no matter their mobility challenge. SATF Sgt. L. Brewer coordinated and facilitated the event. The diverse group of wheelchair users, including an employee from the Wheelchair Repair Shop, showed that determination, resilience, and unity is not limited by mobility challenges, but that it brings communities together.