For many of us who are incarcerated, the ultimate dream is freedom. The question of whether we will achieve that dream, however, often lies in our pursuit of it. Kid CAT members My name is Si Dang, and I am the new chairman of Kid CAT. Over the last 22 years, I have pursued my freedom in a variety of ways, many of them dysfunctional and leading me right back to where I started: without freedom and with no meaningful change in who I was. It was not until six years ago that I finally tapped into my courage and begin facing my … [Read more...] about Kid CAT Chairman Si Dang’s 2019 youth address
Kid CAT Childhood development program
Former youth offenders start Kid CAT program at Lancaster
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
Letter to Kid CAT by Ashley Fehrmann
Dear Kid CAT, Thank you so much for your generous gift of $617.50 from the San Quentin Kid CAT program in support of Social Advocates for Youth’s programming. On behalf of the homeless and disconnected youth of Sonoma County, we express our deep gratitude for your outstanding level of support! Our youth have taught us that programs and services make the most impact when they are accessible, appropriate and flexible. Your gift of unrestricted funding will allow us to continue this critical work and serve our vulnerable youth when they need … [Read more...] about Letter to Kid CAT by Ashley Fehrmann
Dear Kid CAT by Joseph Montes
I’m sending this letter to you today to inquire about the curriculum. I know generally speaking, your program is available for lifers, and not Death Row inmates. There are many of us who were sentenced to death as youths. Myself included. I just turned 20 when I received my sentence. My question is this: Could we begin now to start taking classes that your program offers to youth offenders? We already have a group of individuals who would start taking classes now if you were to make that available to us. The only thing we would need is a … [Read more...] about Dear Kid CAT by Joseph Montes
After 22 years Antoine Brown is a free man
After receiving a commutation of his sentence from Gov. Jerry Brown, Antoine Brown became the latest Kid CAT member to be found suitable for parole. “During his 22 years of incarceration, Mr. Brown has demonstrated a clear commitment to his rehabilitation,” Governor Brown stated in his Dec. 23, 2017, commutation of Antoine Brown. “Mr. Brown committed a senseless crime, but he has shown a clear rejection of violence and gang activity for many years. In light of his age at the time of his crime, his positive conduct in prison, and … [Read more...] about After 22 years Antoine Brown is a free man
29 years in prison is enough for Mike Webb
After six parole hearings and 29 years in prison, Mike Webb, a beloved Kid CAT member, was found suitable for parole. “Mike Webb is one of the most compassionate and committed persons that I know,” said Charlie Spence, Kid CAT Chairman. “We will all miss him very much, because he has been such a positive impact in our group and in this community.” The youngest of three children, Webb was born and raised in Los Angeles by his single mother. “Growing up without a father was tough,” he says. “I didn’t have anyone I could turn to, to learn … [Read more...] about 29 years in prison is enough for Mike Webb
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
Professor teaches next generation through video
A Sonoma State University professor filmed an educational video of the Kid CAT Youth Offender Support Group to teach the next generation of professional counselors. “I wanted to create a training video to teach my graduate students, social workers and community-based counselors that counseling can be done in nontraditional and difficult settings,” said Dr. Adam Zagelbaum, Counseling Department chair at Sonoma State University and Kid CAT volunteer. “According to a RAND analysis, every $1 invested in such [inmate] education generates at least … [Read more...] about Professor teaches next generation through video
Kid CAT Speaks by A. Cooper
Dear Kid CAT, I have been in prison going on 15 years, and I’ve tried to change my life for the best. I was 16 years old when I was alleged to be a part of a violent cocaine racketeering enterprise and was charged and convicted of murder and aiding and abetting under the RICO act (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organization) and was sentenced to life in federal prison. Despite the fact that I was a juvenile and incarcerated at a young age, I basically grew up to become a man behind these walls. I have obtained my GED, participated in a … [Read more...] about Kid CAT Speaks by A. Cooper