Diana Williams

Prison to Employment Connection prepares men for the workforce

July 9, 2019 by Kevin.Sawyer

Prison to Employment Connection (PEC) at San Quentin graduated 44 men from its ninth session in June. The week before graduation, more than 40 business, career and education professionals attended Employer Day at the prison to do one-on-one interviews with the men.

PEC’s 15-week program prepares men to be “job ready” before paroling. According to statistics from Diana Williams, PEC executive director, 210 men have graduated from the program since 2015. Of that number, 96 have paroled and only one has returned to custody.

PEC volunteers, employers, career and education professionals at Employer Day

“We’re all here this after- noon to connect with each other,” said Williams, who discussed how recidivism rates run between 31% and 71%. For those who find employment after prison, the numbers are 3% to 8%. PEC outdoes those figures with its 1.41 % recidivism rate.

“At the beginning of the program, we promised you that we’d meet you halfway,” Williams said to the graduates. “I expect each of you to come see us when you get out because we’re here to help you.”

Inmate Norman Willhoite, 57, is serving a second prison term. He served 28 years the first time. With no clear direction when he was released, he went back to what he knew. He said the employers coming in give inmates an opportunity that wasn’t here 10 years ago. “It (PEC) gave me back self-confidence.”

“It’s a good program,” said inmate Jesse Buruca, 27. “I feel they (PEC) do provide the information you need to be able to prepare to be job ready.” He learned how to conduct himself at a job inter- view, “to be comfortable and be yourself.”

Prison to Employment Connection graduates and volunteers

Inmate Jaryd Newton, 31, said he recommends all in- mates take the class. “They’ve dedicated their hard work and time, and I can’t be more ap- preciative,” he said. “You guys (guests) didn’t look at us as inmates.”

West Oakland Job Resource Center interviewed inmate Hamisi X. Spears, 46, and discussed employment opportunities. The center provides apprentice training programs, job referrals and other services. “I really en- joyed this class,” said Spears. “It prepares you for the future. And it gives you the skills to help you get a job.”

“I learned there are more job opportunities than I thought for the formerly incarcerated,” said inmate Lemuel Brown, 57, who has been incarcerated for two years. “If you have to be here (in prison), don’t make it a total waste. I don’t see any other way to make an opportunity.”

Michael Erickson of SF Made attended PEC’s employer day for the first time. “This is incredible,” he said. “I’m absolutely blown away by this, I’m really glad I came up today.” His organization prepares people to interview who are involved with manufacturing, and holds careers in manufacturing workshops.

Mark Kidd, 35, an inmate who volunteers for PEC, participated in the program about two years ago. “When I went through the program, I saw how beneficial it was for us in- mates to parole with a job.” He returned to volunteer because he saw how much it helped him. He said looking at many younger inmates wasting time doing nothing, compared to those he’s helped, “is really a good feeling to give back.” He said PEC was genuine about helping the men. “I wanted to become one of those guys” (who help people).

“I think I have something to offer,” said inmate Robert Pol- zin, 43. He’s a PEC volunteer who graduated from the program in 2017. “It’s just been a great opportunity to offer my experience,” he said. “It seems like the job world is a little more liberal than it used to be.”

Jennifer Rudd from City College of San Francisco said she’s happy to represent its culinary arts basic train- ing and management, baking and pastry, and culinary and service skills training certificate programs. It was her third PEC appearance. “As usual, I’m super impressed with the preparation of the men,” she said.

Lisa Trustin, a first-time PEC volunteer, attended the workshops, employer day and graduation. “It has all the right elements to help someone get a job,” she said. She has a career counseling background, with 15 years as a career counselor. She learned about the program while volunteering with California Reentry Institute.

“I like helping the under- dog,” said PEC volunteer Gabrielle Nicolet. It was her fifth session. “This is the most inspiring place I’ve been.” For three and a half years, she’s volunteered at San Quentin. She said people always talk about helping others, but they’re generally not referring to incarcerated people be- cause so many people dislike prisoners, but no one needs help more than the incarcerated. “I like helping people who need it.”

Over the years, Nicolet has worked in different areas of the criminal justice system. She currently works as a defense paralegal. She received training from the University of the Pacific and is currently pursuing law school.

Other organizations that attended Employer Day were the Workforce Development Board of Contra Costa County, the District Council 16 Apprentice Program of Northern California, Saved By Grace, Positive Resource Center, Goodwill Industries, and CEO Works.

Oakland’s Private Industry Council was there to assist the men with reentry programs. Part of its stated mission is to “support the journey toward equitable sustainable employment.”

Before the men received their certificates at graduation, they offered comments and feedback to the PEC staff and inmate volunteers:

“I always thought I wasn’t employable.”

“I learned proper etiquette when talking to employers.”

“You’ve pushed me and helped me through this process.”

“Sometimes I gotta swallow my pride.”

“It takes a lot of courage to ask for help,” said Robert Frye, who often speaks at PEC graduations, to encourage the men. “It’s always bittersweet to see new and old faces,” he said. He paroled from San Quentin about five years ago after serving 25 years in prison. “I’m no better than you,” he told the men. “I just got lucky and got out.”

Frye did a quick question- and-answer session fielding inquiries such as how long did it take him to feel like a citizen? How’d you feel about technology? He said he felt normal in about six months, especially when he started paying bills. Because he was allowed to use computers in prison, he “adapted well” outside.

The men applauded Frye after listening to his inspirational speech and stories of his accomplishments after he paroled.

“Good luck is when preparation meets opportunity,” said Angel Falcone, an inmate PEC facilitator. “When you do the best you can, people won’t forget that and will help you.” He advised the men to think about the future, get a Roth IRA, to not depend on Social Security, and get medical insurance.

Clif Bar of Emeryville, Calif., worked with PEC again this session. Its human resources and other departments helped the men with resume writing and interview skills.

“It kind of humanizes the (prison) experience,” said Kim who works in HR at Clif Bar. “It really is about building partnerships.”

Alicia who works in marketing at Clif Bar didn’t know what to expect coming inside a prison. “It was really cool to see the growth and confidence built,” she said. “It’s very moving.”

Salesforce recruiter and volunteer resume writer, Laura Pedersen, heard about PEC through someone who comes in to play basketball with the inmates at San Quentin. “I like people to have hope,” she said. “I think it’s awesome.”

Williams said of the nine PEC sessions, this was only the second time that 100% of the men interviewed the same or better than people outside of prison. “You were better than the class that came before you.”

Williams provided inter- view statistics ranging from 1 as poor, 2 below average, 3 average, 4 above average, and 5 excellent. She said there were no scores of one or two. The men received the following ratings from employers:

1= 0%
2= 0%
3 = 19%
4 = 39%
5 = 42%
The height of the last four months came when each graduates’ name was called. One by one, they walked to the stage area, shook hands with the volunteers, and were handed certificates and packets of useful employment information that will help them transition back to society and enter the work force. Everyone applauded to support each other. At the end, Williams yelled, “Job.”

The graduates all responded with “Ready!” as part of PEC’s customary mantra.

21 graduates ready to reenter the workforce

July 29, 2018 by Kevin.Sawyer

Graduates with their sponsor and volunteers who helped them get ready for their promising futures

Twenty-two inmates graduated from the Prison to Employment Connection’s (PEC) seventh session at San Quentin State Prison in May.

A week before graduation, the men did face-to-face interviews with employers looking to hire qualified formerly incarcerated citizens.

More than 40 men enrolled in the program in February to learn about interview skills, resumé writing and other forms of communication. In doing so, they were able to determine what career path was right for them upon release from prison.

“There are over 4,800 legal restrictions facing people with convictions after sentence completion…73% of these legal barriers are permanent.”

“SAFE AND SOUND: …” by Californians For Safety and Justice Nov. 2017

“I was really excited to interview with some of the employers that [originally] I didn’t think I would want” (to work for), said inmate Robert Polzin, 42. He’s been incarcerated two years. Polzin said he thought he’d be a welder but thinks he’d be a better supervisor.

Diana Williams, PEC’s executive director, led the employers and guests into the prison’s chapel, where the inmates lined up to greet them, shaking hands with friendly smiles. She reminded the men of what they’ve accomplished over the last 15 weeks. “You are so ready,” she said.

Many of the employers agreed.

David Rodriguez talking to
Tom Lacey

“I’ve had some of the best interviews in here today than on the outside,” said Maggie McVeigh of McCall’s Catering. “I once had a lady show up to interview in a bathrobe.”

The program also offered reentry information and services for the men.

Pastor Ronnie Muniz is formerly incarcerated. He served time in San Quentin in 1989 and paroled in 1995. He now works at two churches to provide reentry services. He helps the formerly incarcerated reconstruct their lives.

“I want you (guys) to have something to go back to,” Muniz said. “I know the struggle.” He said his churches “work with anyone incarcerated or at-risk.”

Bart Pantoja, a business representative with District Council 16, Apprentice Program of Northern California, made his first appearance at PEC. His organization has attended several employment seminars at San Quentin. He said the event is great and has purpose.

“We try to recruit because our industry needs more workers.” They offer “union apprenticeships in drywall finishing, floor covering, glazing, highway striping and commercial & industrial painting,” the District Council brochure states.

“I think I made some great connections,” said inmate Harry “ATL” Smith, 31. “I met some good people. They really care about us and want to give us a second chance.” Smith added that Pastor Muniz told him he has a job and a place for him to live through the church.

For inmates interested in self-employment, the nonprofit MEDA offered its Mission Economic Development Agency’s information packet on starting a business, in addition to its Work Force Development Program.

Although attrition accounted for more than half of the original attendees dropping out, Williams acknowledged inmate Jayro Magana, 21, the one in the Youth Offender Program who made it to graduation. He was the youngest in the class to stick it out.

“I think you’re going to go out there and do great,” Williams said to Magana.

Inmate Aaron Tillis, 34, said, “I’m grateful, because I’ve never taken the time to have a formal interview.” He added that he was nervous but now he feels confident. He will parole in April 2020.

Several guests heard about the PEC program and came to observe. Malcolm Gissen was among them. This was his fourth visit to San Quentin.

Graduates listens as they get ready for employers

“I’m so impressed by the people that are here. That’s why I keep coming back,” Gissen said. He added, “I’ve devoted my life to social action.”

Gissen works with people coming out of prison and with the homeless. He teaches them about finances. He supports the program. “This (PEC) gives everyone hope.”

Tom Lacey was another guest visitor. This was his first time attending the PEC event. He normally comes into San Quentin for the basketball games because his son plays on a team that competes with the inmate team. He said the purpose of his attendance was to understand what he can do to “marshal more resources” for PEC, which is a nonprofit.

A new aspect was added to this PEC session. Human resources professionals from Clif Bar & Company made their services available. Halfway through the course, these volunteers came inside the prison and worked with the men to write resumes and do mock interviews to prepare them to meet employers.

“There’s a lot in the world that’s not going right,” said Holly Streblow, who works in HR for Clif Bar. She said it can be overwhelming. “I could sit home and be frustrated by all the social problems or come here and work with people who will return to society and be better people.”

Prospect employees interviewing with potential employers

Christina Gee, who also works in human resources for Clif Bar, said, “I’m impressed that Diana (Williams) has it dialed in. We’re here to observe and be supportive. Clif Bar is supportive of employees giving their time to something they’re passionate about.”

During the graduation, Williams read interview assessments from employers and listened to feedback from the men before passing out certificates and a list of employers that hire ex-felons. She said that according to the employers’ assessments, 100 percent of the graduates interviewed the same or better than people in outside society; another 87 percent did better than those outside.

“They (employers) seemed to go out of their way to make us feel comfortable,” said inmate Maurice Brown.

Inmate Christopher Scull said, “I had a good time and it was a great opportunity. I’ve been out of practice but I never forgot it,” referring to his ability to interview and communicate with people in free society.

“I love this program,” said Gabrielle Nicolet. “This is the highlight of my week. I’m sad that it’s over until August.” Nicolet is a former probation officer for juveniles in the state of Illinois. For the past few years she has helped facilitate PEC with activities such as grant writing.

Bre Davis, another PEC volunteer, said, “It gets better and better. This has become one of the things I look forward to after a busy day at work. We learn from them (inmates) as much as they learn from us.” Davis has been volunteering with PEC for two and a half years, on and off. She previously worked with the California Reentry Program. She has experience working on reentry with men and women on probation in Alameda County.

Williams has been volunteering at San Quentin for four and a half years with California Reentry Institute and TRUST (Teaching Responsibility Utilizing Sociological Training). She is the executive director of PEC. She holds an M.A. in counseling psychology and is a Certified Professional Co-active Coach.

“PEC showed me there really are people out there that want to give me a second chance,” said inmate Eddie Herena, 35. The San Quentin News photographer was found suitable for parole in February. He credits Williams, Davis and Nicolet for making it possible and thanked them for the opportunity to be a part of the program.

https://sanquentinnews.com/optionb-org-support-group-overcoming-effects-incarceration/
http://sanquentinnews.com/prison-employment-connection-holds-job-readiness-event/

San Quentin News & Wall City Merchandise

Potential Employers Interview Inmates for Brighter Futures

July 1, 2016 by Kevin Sawyer

A group of inmates who will be looking for employment opportunities once they parole got a head start at San Quentin’s third Employment Readiness Seminar (ERS).
A panel of 18 women and men from the outside representing employers, trade unions, apprenticeship programs and other organizations attended the event held in May.
“I really believe what we’re here for is to connect as human beings,” Diana Williams told the audience. She co-founded and helped organize the seminar with inmate Nobel Butler, a member of the group TRUST (Teaching Responsibility Utilizing Sociological Training).
Williams talked about the types of challenges inmates deal with in prison, such as no access to typewriters or computers to write résumés, and a recent weeklong lockdown.
The seminar allowed inmates to have one-on-one interviews with potential employers. Some were mock interviews while others were serious, but all were conversational.
“It’s going to be like speed dating, so you’re going to get like 10 minutes,” Butler told the guests and inmates. “The purpose is to network.”
Weeks leading up to the seminar, the men learned how to present themselves on paper with letters of introduction, résumés and turnaround packets. They also learned interviewing techniques.
“We did different kinds of résumés,” said inmate Phillip Landis, 42, who has been incarcerated 14 years. “It helps to make connections. I haven’t been in the job force for a while.”
The ERS went beyond writing. It taught the men how to identify their strengths and weaknesses, transferable skills and work values.
“We try to take guys who are in prison, who have been a liability to their community, and turn them around,” said Butler.
ERS guests came from the painters and glaziers union (District Council 16), Success Center, Goodwill Industries, Anders & Anders, Labor Ready, Every Dog Has Its Daycare, Home of Chicken and Waffles, Golden Gate Restaurant Association, Rubicon Bakery, Alliance for Change and California Re-entry Institute.
Lenny Wilkins of District Council 16 told the men, “It’s never too late to start your career.”
“We don’t do background checks,” one employer from the temporary agency Labor Ready said.
“One thing we have to offer is we can be part of your network,” said Richard Scott from Goodwill Industries. “Your first job out doesn’t necessarily mean it has to be your last job out.”
Goodwill Industries’ Tito Guerrero said he started working there after paroling seven years ago. “The most rewarding part of the job is about the people you help,” he said.
Terry Anders, an ex-offender, said, “I had a special population in mind (when he founded Anders & Anders) because that’s who I was. The unions gave me that opportunity. It saved my life— literally.”
“We give you access to 26 construction trades,” another Anders & Anders representative said. “You earn as you learn. These aren’t jobs, they’re careers.”
Home of Chicken and Waffles’ owner said, “Eighty percent of my staff is on parole or probation.”
“It was useful because it covers everything,” said inmate Sonny Nguyen. “Most of us have been away for a long time.”
Associate Warden Jeff Lawson said, “It’s really a great thing for me to see. It’s a bridge that’s been missing.” As a parole officer, he frequently told parolees, “You’re better off flipping burgers for minimum wage because all I can offer you is $19 dollars a month (in prison) if you mess up.”
The following week, ERS inmates attended a graduation ceremony to receive certificates of completion.
Parolee Troy Williams spoke to the graduates. “I don’t know how to overemphasize how much you have to offer,” he said. “There are a lot of opportunities if you just take them.”
The men expressed what it felt like to be seen as human beings. “They didn’t look at us like a plague,” said inmate Russell Bowden, 51, who has been incarcerated 30 years.
“You all did yourselves really proud,” Diana Williams told the men. “We’re trying to make it richer every time.” She then read comments e-mailed to her.
“Thank you for putting on another fantastic, motivational and inspiring event,” a business representative wrote from District Council 16.
“Each person I interviewed presented well, marketable skills, and expressed sincere desire to make a change…” wrote Michael from Goodwill.
“I wish more people from the outside could be part of the ERS, because meeting these men would have a very positive impact on the way the ‘outside world’ views incarcerated individuals,” wrote Every Dog Has Its Daycare.
“This (ERS) was an idea I had, but you (Diana Williams) turned it into a reality,” said Butler.
“What warms my heart is to see the smiles on your faces,” said Williams, who volunteers at San Quentin in the California Re-entry Institute and TRUST. She holds an M.A. in counseling psychology and is a Certified Professional Co-active Coach.
http://sanquentinnews.com/inmates-preview-job-opportunities-thanks-to-an-employment-readiness-seminar/

Taking on the task to teach a new way of thinking in coding