Facilitators, former graduates and 2018 graduates CGA Dining on chicken and pizza, on Feb. 8, dozens of inmates picked up certificates after completing a program aimed at changing criminal thinking and putting gang life in the past. The program, Criminal Gangs Anonymous (CGA) models itself after Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)—the first step—admitting that they’ve lost control of their life to gangs. Tommy “Shakur” Ross has been a CGA facilitator since 2012. “I really enjoy watching you guys doing the work,” Ross told the graduating … [Read more...] about CGA banquet graduation focuses on recovery and change
Graduation
Valley State Prison holds second annual YOP graduation
WBC super featherweight champion Andy Vences with facilitators and participants of the YOP program On January 9th 2019, Valley State Prison (VSP) held its second annual youth offender program (YOP) graduation to recognize the graduating YOP class of 2019 for completion of a year dedicated to their rehabilitation. It was a great day for all those who attended. Those in attendance included R. Fisher, jr. (VSP warden) and his administration, VSP staff, 75 YOP graduates, who also had the opportunity to invite two family members each to … [Read more...] about Valley State Prison holds second annual YOP graduation
PUP grads take center stage
“Pomp and Circumstance” played and everyone stood to applaud the Prison University Project’s (PUP) class of 2018 as they took center stage in San Quentin State Prison’s visiting room in June. Nine men graduated and received their Associative Arts degree from Patten University. One of the graduates, Gerald Morgan, welcomed his 98-year-old aunt, Juanita Stone, to attend the ceremony. “I’ve been to many graduations,” Stone said. “Patten University at San Quentin has been a category, well organized “I couldn’t be happier for Gerald’s great … [Read more...] about PUP grads take center stage