After 23 years in prison, Leonard Rubio got out and began recapturing his life. Today, he’s the Executive Director of Insight Prison Project (IPP). The executive position opened after Billie Mizell stepped down in November 2017 to pursue other restorative justice work. “There could be no better person to pass that baton to than our own beloved Leonard Rubio,” Mizell said in her resignation letter. Mizell said that she believes those most impacted, “should lead the movements of their own transformation and liberation.” She added, “As a … [Read more...] about Insight Prison Project announces appointment of new Executive Director
TRUST
San Quentin holds 15th Annual Health Fair
Hundreds of prisoners formed long lines on San Quentin’s Lower Yard at the prison’s 15th Annual Health Fair on Aug. 24. Stations were set up throughout the prison where volunteers offered medical services and wellness information, ranging from blood pressure checks and chiropractic services to mental health seminars, diabetes tests and nutritional information. In total, 156 volunteers served more than 2,000 prisoners throughout the day. “It’s important for everyone to have the education to take care of themselves,” said Madeline … [Read more...] about San Quentin holds 15th Annual Health Fair
Building lives through health and wellness TRUST
It was a bittersweet day at the 13th Annual San Quentin Teaching Responsibility Utilizing Sociological Training (TRUST) graduation ceremony August 16, as 70 men graduated from three different programs. It was the announcement that Ameeta Singh, a 10-year volunteer for TRUST, was leaving that drew the sadness. Singh taught and wrote the curriculum for the Health and Wellness Group. The program is a 12-week course that deals with trauma and the way it affects a person’s behavior. It also teaches how to heal unresolved traumas. “It’s … [Read more...] about Building lives through health and wellness TRUST
14th annual Health Fair held under smoky skies
Smoke from the North Bay wildfires loomed over San Quentin, but it failed to derail the 14th Annual TRUST Health Fair. Despite the poor air quality, hundreds of inmates and volunteers braved the elements to give and receive medical services. “It was a debate in our executive office, if we should have the fair or not,” said Steve Emrick, San Quentin Community Partnership Manager. “But we made the decision to push forward; we have seen the changes this event has had on our own health services. Sometimes they capture something in someone who may … [Read more...] about 14th annual Health Fair held under smoky skies
Quentin Cooks grads serve six-course meal
Sixty-eight confirmed guests attended the April graduating class of the “Quentin Cooks” held in the H-Unit mess hall. The graduating class prepared and served a six-course meal that was a worthy finish to the 12-week Culinary Arts Program available to H-Unit residents with an Earliest Possible Release Date (EPRD) of 6 to 36 months. Overseen by Chef Lisa Dombroski, the program teaches culinary skills and practical restaurant training from instructors with real-world experience. Graduates also earn a ServSafe certification making them … [Read more...] about Quentin Cooks grads serve six-course meal
Former prisoners return for TRUST graduation
Three highly acclaimed self-help programs at San Quentin Prison held a graduation for more than 80 inmates on March 30. Dozens of San Francisco Bay Area volunteers came to the prison’s Protestant Chapel to witness the event along with formerly incarcerated men who once participated in the same programs. “It feels good to be back here,” said Kenyatta Leal, a former TRUST (Teaching Responsibility Utilizing Sociological Training) graduate. “This room has so many significations, from being an usher to praying to the most highest for deliverance … [Read more...] about Former prisoners return for TRUST graduation
TRUST Spanish Anger Management Graduation
The first TRUST-sponsored Spanish-speaking anger management graduation was held in San Quentin’s Catholic chapel. The ceremony is one of only a few programs exclusively dedicated to the Spanish speakers at San Quentin. The celebration was nothing like the average self-help graduation that numerous groups put on within the walled city. There was no food, no drinks, and no deluge of musical performances or acceptance speeches. Instead, a soft, soothing prayer by retired probation officer (and outside sponsor and instructor) Erich Plate Montes … [Read more...] about TRUST Spanish Anger Management Graduation
TRUST Graduation Honors 88 Prisoners
Eighty-eight San Quentin men completed the TRUST (Teaching Responsibility Utilizing Sociological Training) program which help prisoners prepare for freedom were honored at a joint graduation ceremony. The graduation featured keynote speaker Joe Paul and the presentation of a check for $1,000 from TRUST members to an organization that supports children with incarcerated parents. Many of the men have been in prison for decades. Several different groups under the TRUST umbrella help these incarcerated men with their journey and preparation … [Read more...] about TRUST Graduation Honors 88 Prisoners
TRUST and Centerforce 12th Annual Health Fair
For the 12th consecutive year, San Quentin, California’s oldest state prison, hosted the largest health fair to date by any correctional facility in the nation. Held Aug. 21, the TRUST Centerforce Health Fair collaborated with the Bay Area Black Nurses Association, Alameda County Health Department, San Francisco State University Nursing School and the San Quentin State Prison medical department to educate inmates about the importance of healthcare. Nearly 2,000 inmates received healthcare information from more than 150 volunteers who … [Read more...] about TRUST and Centerforce 12th Annual Health Fair
Job Fair Sponsored by TRUST Program
Several Bay Area employers visited San Quentin State Prison in June to interview inmates at a first-of-its-kind job fair hosted by the inmate group TRUST (Teaching Responsibility Utilizing Sociological Training). Employers came from Caltrans, Anders & Anders, Every Dog Has Its Day Care, Home of Chicken & Waffles, Aaron Metals and Planting Justice. Prior to the job fair, Nelson “Nobel” Butler, 46, a TRUST inmate, and sponsor Diana Williams conducted employment readiness seminars over a five-week period to prepare the men to meet … [Read more...] about Job Fair Sponsored by TRUST Program