The successful San Quentin Kid CAT program for youth offenders is expanding to Lancaster Prison, thanks to help from three former inmates. “It was really the guys inside’s hunger to get the program,” explained Tommy Winfrey, who left San Quentin in 2016. “There was a hunger there to change their lives. I saw the same concern and willingness to change that I witnessed during my time at San Quentin.” Kid CAT alumni Winfrey, Philip Melendez and Anouthinh Pangthong recently visited Lancaster to help them start their own Kid CAT chapter. After … [Read more...] about Former youth offenders start Kid CAT program at Lancaster
Kid CAT branch
Kid CAT banquet honors the forgotten voices of youth
Kid CAT celebrated the “forgotten voices” of youth at its 2018 annual banquet. “Tonight’s Banquet was about bringing awareness to the youths, who think that their voices are not being heard and are afraid to express how they feel to their parents or caretakers,” said Si Dang, Kid CAT chairman. Kid CAT is a group of men who committed their crimes as juveniles and are serving adult sentences. Capturing the night’s theme of “forgotten voices” was a series of speakers, actors and musicians who dug into the topics of foster care, … [Read more...] about Kid CAT banquet honors the forgotten voices of youth
Importance of good character and integrity in prison
Cost of reputation, Part 1 Editor’s note: Survival in prison often depends on reputation. A good reputation confers respect and longevity. A bad reputation may result in being ostracized, extorted, assaulted or, worse, murdered. This three-part series will feature stories of survival and redemption. “When I first came to prison I wanted to be left alone, not to be harassed or victimized by other inmates,” said Marty Walters, 50, who has been incarcerated 30 years for first-degree murder. “So, I acted like a tough guy and made weapons because … [Read more...] about Importance of good character and integrity in prison
Dear Kid CAT by Mr. Milo
Dear Kid CAT, You guys are awesome. Your work is impressive and helps change societies perception of us. I’d like to share my story with other youth offenders who are excluded from relief from SB261 for a prior strike. I’m currently serving 200-to-life for attempted murder at the age of 22. I’m 39 years old today and am involved in multiple self-help groups and mentoring. Although we are excluded from reducing our time, I want to encourage those of us who are excluded to stay focused on being better people. Don’t lose hope. Society is … [Read more...] about Dear Kid CAT by Mr. Milo
Dear Kid CAT, I. Medina,Tehachapi
During the past couple of months I have spoken to several facility sponsors concerning the Kid CAT Childhood development program and support group. As of today there are a couple of sponsors willing to support me toward proposing a Kid CAT branch here in California Institution in Tehachapi. This has taken me time because of the programs pending approval by our Community Resource Manager (CRM). Once I look over the curriculum and facilitator’s manual, I will prepare the proposal directed to our CRM. On behalf of the community here in … [Read more...] about Dear Kid CAT, I. Medina,Tehachapi
KID CAT graduates 43 in its fourth cycle
With a class of 43, the largest graduating class yet, a group of inmate facilitators and advisors were in a boisterous mood as they prepared the certificates for the fourth graduating cycle of Kid CAT’s (Creating Awareness Together) First Step curriculum on a Sunday evening this spring. The ARC building was set up for a celebration with nametags on chairs for all the graduates as they waited outside the building. As do all groups, the attendees signed in as they filtered into the ARC building. The graduates completed a 28-week three-phase … [Read more...] about KID CAT graduates 43 in its fourth cycle