TRUST

TRUST facilitators go home but find new blood to lead

November 14, 2019 by Marcus Henderson

TRUST participants, members and facilitators share one last photo before leaving prison

Great companies and organizations are the ones that can stand the test of time and San Quentin’s T.R.U.S.T rehabilitative group is one of those programs.

The transformative group hosted its 14th Annual San Quentin T.R.U.S.T Graduation Ceremony and banquet. The October 10 event honored more than 60 people graduating from three different programs: The Health and Wellness Group, Project L.A., and T.R.U.S.T. (Teach- ing Responsibility Utilizing Sociological Training) classes. The Spanish Anger Management group was also in attendance.

TRUST’s Lanie Melnitzer, Christina Eckstrand, Anna Shoop, graduate Michael O’Neal, with Project LA’s Catherine Lonazo and Saun Hough

Robb Rogers, Project L.A. chairman, and Philip Senegal, T.R.U.S.T vice chairman, both received warm goodbyes and congratulations for be- ing found suitable at the pa- role board. The two longtime members expect to be released at the end of the year.

The men who “do programs” at San Quentin get out, said Steve Emrick, SQ’s recently retired Community Resources Manager. “The parole board and the outside community recognize the work that is being done in these programs. I hope all of you who take part in the programs walk away with the things you learned and become productive re- turning citizens.”

Susanne Siciliano, Melnitzer, Eckstrand, Shoop and Quilley Powers cheer as Diana Kronstadt speaks

The large crowd of volunteers and graduates recognized Rogers for his humble and direct personality that helped shape the Project L.A. program.

“After 38 years, I look for- ward of being home. This program provides all the necessary tools to survive upon release,” said Rogers. “I’m going to get involved with the Jericho organization once released. I look forward to helping the people coming after me.”

Project L.A. is a goal-set- ting and pre/post release program that assists people from Southern California with their re-entry needs. The Jericho organization, based in Los Angeles, works closely with the program.

“When people from our community are housed this far away they need this type of program,” said Saun Hough, executive director of Jericho, who also was formerly incarcerated. “We let the men know that they have a team when they come home. I once walked this road (incarcerated and reentry). I’m honored to be a part of some- one else’s team. We are on the ground, we provide real-time support and help those returning navigate the resources.”

Hough served more than 20 years in prison and has been free for eight, but every so often he reflects on his life journey.

“I was sitting in Dunkin’ Donuts the other day and I start thinking about my freedom. I began texting my daughter, then my wife and I just said, ‘I’m home—I’m home!’”

Hough said he prays to keep having that feeling.

Senegal is waiting for his second chance at freedom. He is one of the last founding members of T.R.U.S.T., established in 2003.

“I shall not do harm to myself, my family or my community; that is the golden rule of T.R.U.S.T,” said Senegal. “I’m no longer the cancer that did harm to my community. Now, I’m that healing agent.”

What motivated the founding of the group was when former Gov. Jerry Brown, who was the Mayor of Oakland at the time, stated on a news program that the core problem and the rise of crime in the community and the surrounding area of Alameda County was due to the influx of incarcerated people coming from San Quentin, said Senegal.

“This program provides all the necessary tools to survive upon release”

“We took offense to that statement and wanted to change that perspective. So with the help of the prison administration, they brought the curriculum inside and we developed the program,” he said. “If you don’t invest in yourself, change can never come about.”

Since the start of the program it has graduated hundreds of men within the prison. It also hosts the SQ Health Fair, the largest medical event, probably in the country, for a prison.

TRUST participants, members and facilitators share one last photo before leaving prison leadership but we welcome the new blood coming in,” said Diana Kronstadt, one of T.R.U.S.T’s sponsors. “Phillip bought us the history of the program with him. Robb is such a talented guy. I think they will do good things on the out- side—their presence will be missed.”

Kronstadt expressed confidence about the continued longevity of the program while the new graduates smiled as they walked across the chapel stage to receive their certificates of completion.

“I feel selfish because we learn so much more than we give to these programs,” said Christina Laird, program volunteer. “These guys are masters of de-escalation. I learned how to use the ‘I statement’ from them. I had a chance to use these techniques at my job and I just own that space.

“These guys are preparing themselves for society,” Laird added.

Louis “Louie” Light, T.R.U.S.T member and MC of the event, kept the mood festive and on schedule with his humor, plus seriousness. He made sure everyone had their time to speak and get their picture taken.

The SQ Jazz band provided soul-soothing instrumentals as the participants enjoyed their meals and their accomplishments.

Insight Prison Project announces appointment of new Executive Director

December 29, 2018 by Juan Haines

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 woman and a member of the LGBTQ community, my own activism has been shaped and lifted by this leadership principle.”
IPP sponsors a variety of programs for inmates, including an accountability group that Rubio was instrumental in bringing to San Quentin — Victim/Offender Education Group (VOEG).
Rubio’s path to the IPP leadership position was strenuous.
When he first got out of prison, he worked for the Prison University Project. From there he went to East Bay Municipal Utility Department (East Bay MUD). He enjoyed the job and quickly moved up the ranks, gain- ing new skills while making more money at a trade that he’s very skilled in. He said, however, “It wasn’t a good fit.” When certain people at East Bay MUD found out that he’d been in prison, they took exception. The conflicting atmosphere drove him away from East Bay MUD and to a job as a maintenance mechanic with another formerly incarcerated person, Dave Basile.

Within a few months, the Elevator Union gave him a job offer. It came with “a huge raise.” However, he only had 10 minutes to decide. That same day, a concerned East Bay MUD staffer found out about Rubio’s treatment as an ex-offender and made him an offer to come back to work as a plumber. He telephoned his wife to discuss their options before taking the Elevator Union job.
After attending the first meeting, he discovered that the job security was “shaky,” and came with a lot of travel.
“What came up for me is after 23 and a half years in prison, I wanted to spend time with my family,” Rubio said. “It came down to quality of life. So, even though East Bay MUD paid less, it gave me more toward the quality of life.”
When IPP sought his guidance, his tenure with East Bay MUD was interrupted again.

IPP Program Director/ Clinical Supervisor Karena H. Montag, MFT, agreed with Mizell’s philosophy regarding looking for leadership from those directly impacted.
“As a restorative justice organization whose mission is to ‘transform the lives of those impacted by crime and incarceration’, we must al- ways strive towards, and be accountable for, walking our talk,” Montag said.
Rubio visited San Quentin last May. It was his sixth time inside since paroling in 2010.
“I wanted to go where my heart was,” Rubio said as he reminisced about being in the second graduating class of VOEG and being part of the Inner-Faith Roundtable in 2005 — the precursor to the Restorative Justice program in San Quentin.
“I was able to see the changes in people,” Rubio said, adding, “I wanted to make sure these programs continued.”

Rubio said the hardest part of coming back inside San Quentin is the number of people “that I knew when I was here and me knowing that they could be out doing what I’m doing.”
He added, “I see the type of work we can do on the outside. People like Maliki (Gary Scott) with RJOY (Restore Justice of Oakland Youth) — seeing the work that many of the guys are do- ing is inspiring.”
IPP supports San Quentin programs based on the restorative justice model, such as TRUST, Coalition for Justice and No More Tears.
“Having the network of communities is important on the inside and outside,” Rubio said. “Even with the busy lives we have on the outside, making opportunities for those on the inside grows the community on the outside.”
IPP programs currently are in 16 California prisons. However, it is seeking re- sources to expand into more prisons and to find ways to bring IPP programs inside jails.

San Quentin holds 15th Annual Health Fair

October 22, 2018 by Wayne Boatwright

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 Tenney, staff sponsor of a self-help organization Teaching Responsibility Utilizing Sociological Training (TRUST).
“Don’t be afraid of information. Know your health status. It’s scary to go to the doctor and find out bad news, but if you don’t, it will kill you,” said Georgia Schreiber, Alameda County Public Health Department Investigator, as the volunteers went through an hour of orientation in the Protestant chapel before beginning the Health Fair at 10 a.m.
TRUST sponsored the one-day event in collaboration with various healthcare service providers in the Bay Area.
TRUST has different workshops based on how you live your life; you learn life skills, accountability, childhood trauma [effects], mindfulness as a tool to see what is going on inside and outside of self and gain emotional intelligence.
To guarantee the community explores all the Health Fair has to offer, many stations had raffle prizes, and a gift bag was offered to all men who visited at least one station in each of the four main areas of Education, Gym, Lower Yard and the ARC building.
THE PRISON GYM:
You may have seen men with tiny pink beads taped to the ear; they received acupressure ear seeds. Patients described an ailment and then a teacher or student from the American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine taped a bead onto a particular area of the ear.
This was just one of the services provided in the gym, which included chiropractors, acupuncture, Tai Chi and Qigong. Present also were notaries for California Advanced Health Care Directive (deathbed agent instructions and power of attorney), hand washing education and information about diabetes.
The Health Fair would not work without a multitude of incarcerated volunteers. Richard “3Dee” Benjamin, a Team Leader, is a 55-year-old lifer who is a TRUST Fellow. He has served 25 years. He volunteers to “offer the community a service—to give back.”
“I think this is a really exciting project because it’s run by inmates; we’re just invited. I’m really impressed by who they get to come,” Chief Medical Executive Dr. Tootell said.
Tootell has been invited to the Health Fair each of the past eight years.
Volunteer Charlie Thao, a lifer with 12 years in, learned Tai Chi through Restoring Our Original True Selves (ROOTS). “Tai Chi brings you health,” he said “It calms you down and releases stress. It’s like meditation.” Thao added that Tai Chi “spreads culture and brings diversity to the prison. I’m trying to make amends—give back to my community in small ways.”
Rev. Debbie has been teaching Tai Chi at the fair for five years. She’s also the Director of Interfaith Movement for Human Integrity at United Interfaith Church of Christ. Her church brings together people to advocate for the end of deportation and mass incarceration.
“I keep coming back because I keep thinking about the people I met last year,” Debbie said.
Arrison Seuga served 21 years in prison, 11 at Quentin. He paroled in 2010. When he worked in Receive and Release, he only met people who failed on parole and came back to prison. Now he’s a re-entry director with Asian Prison Support Community (APSC). He came back to share.
“We only heard stories from recidivists,” Seuga said. “We [people successful on parole] weren’t allowed back in. Now I wanted to be that example.” Seuga asked, “Who better to inform those who are getting out on parole than those who have navigated it successfully?”
“We have twice as many chiropractors as last year,” chiropractor John said. “Thirty-three is the most we ever had.” Chiropractor Paul grew up in Roxbury, Boston. He’s a Black man who participates as part of his commitment to social justice. This is his fourth SQ Health Fair. “I honestly feel no one should be judged,” Paul said. “People are people.”
“Each year teams are run smoother, and we manage to take care of more inmates every year,” chiropractor John said. “Our goal is to take care of everybody who needs it.”
One of the most significant stations was a table staffed by three notaries ready to execute an Advance Healthcare Directive for the men. Maria D., office manager at Alameda County Care Partners, explained the Advance Directive, “The idea is to plan ahead in the event something happens to you and you want to appoint someone to make decisions regarding your healthcare,” said Maria D. of the Alameda County Care Partners.
EDUCATION BUILDING:
In the Education Building on the Lower Yard, dental hygienists gave instructions about dental care and mental health professionals offered 20-minute seminars on a variety of topics for developing inner freedom or self-expression.
There were more than 30 men who attended Ms. Strock class. Strock is an art and recreation therapist, who has worked for CDCR for more than six years. “I work at the psychiatric inpatient hospital in the main buildings helping with long term inpatient care,” Strock said, as she prepared for her first session.
Strock’s session has three areas of focus: centering mechanisms (your attention/self), body posture; and art processes.
“We’re looking for a reason to have purpose in life. Art is such a purpose,” Strock said. “Many of my clients are deeply discouraged and depressed, but a way to communicate and express.
These feelings is critical.”Dental care has always been a focus on the Health Fair, and it was again this year in education.
“I enjoy doing this,” said Shawnette, a registered dental assistant who has worked at SQ for nine years and volunteered for five years. “From the first health fair to now, a lot of patients are genuinely concerned about their oral hygiene. It’s a joy to me to pass on this information to the patients.”
At her station they offered basic oral hygiene and how to identify an emergency.
“Pain is an emergency,” Shawnette explained. “No pain isn’t.”
If you missed the Health Fair, under CDCR rules, people over 50 are entitled to a dental examination every year; for those under 50, it’s every two years.
“I’ve seen big-time improvement in the dental health of the inmates,” Shawnette said.
ARC BUILDING:
The ARC building was organized to provide a full range of health screenings for blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol (with the results provided immediately), Body-Mass Index (BMI) and weight checks, vision and hearing. These screenings were offered by both CDCR personnel and the San Francisco State University (SFSU) School of Nursing students and newly minted registered nurses and professors.
“These basic health screens are essential to identify if you have a problem; “we’ll give detailed info for your next appointment and recommend it,” said Beth Kao, an SFSU Nursing Student.
The volunteer inmates organized the attendees in lines and prepared them to efficiently make use of the multiple health screening stations.
“I believe in giving back to my community. I’ve been in for 21 years, and this is my way of contributing,” TRUST volunteer Tim Warren said.
Warren gave credit to TRUST. “TRUST is a program where we help men turn liabilities into assets. We work to develop a full set of tools to become a better man,” .
LOWER YARD:
The Lower Yard echoed with the music of participants practicing spiritual healing through drumming. All were welcome to try their hand at the shared experience sponsored by Alameda County Public Health as hundreds of men lined up at over a dozen stations set up on the Lower Yard.
A station with much attention was the CDCR’s 602 HC. the health care grievance process was explained by RN Podolsky. She detailed recent changes such as there are now only two levels and a 45-day review period. She reminded the community that this was a combined health and legal process; therefore, even though the health care matter was reviewed within a day, the legal process could take much longer. She always advised that if it is an emergency, go through the normal appointment process for quicker service.
The Bay Area service providers included the Bay Area Black Nurses Association, Alameda County Health Department, San Francisco State University Nursing School, the San Quentin State Prison Medical Department, and Centerforce.
Centerforce provides incarcerated individuals and their families a variety of services from parenthood classes and health education to connections to services upon release.
–Rahsaan Thomas, Marcus Henderson and Lloyd Payne contributed to this story

KID CAT graduates 43 in its fourth cycle

More inmates taking meds for mental health issues

Prisoners seek hepatitis C treatment

Boatwright

Building lives through health and wellness TRUST

October 15, 2018 by Marcus Henderson

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 sad that Ameeta is leaving. She helped me get in touch with my intergenerational trauma, especially me being an Indian (Native American),” said Jim Kitlas, a graduate of the Health and Wellness Group. “She came from similar trauma, so she knew what to hit on, and that helped make the class real. She showed me that the tools she was giving us worked.”
Singh is a licensed marriage and family therapist. She is moving to New Zealand, were she plans to take the Health and Wellness program to prisons there.
“It’s my intention to build a bridge between these two different cultures,” Singh said. “We have the ability to reform these criminal justice systems. We have to provide a safe space for those incarcerated to share their experience.”
Singh was honored with a wooden plaque for her service. She thanked the men in TRUST for transforming her life over the years. She said learning and teaching went both ways. She then quoted an Australian Aboriginal proverb.
“If you have come to help me, you are wasting your time. But if you come because your action is bound with mine, let us work together.” It is an Australian Aboriginal Political Activist Group saying.
Project LA and Spanish Anger Management programs also held graduations.
Project LA is a program that assists prisoners from Southern California with their re-entry needs.
“It’s all about making amends,” said Joseph “Joe” Paul, sponsor of Project LA and formerly incarcerated. “We have the chance to change someone’s life just with our actions.
“Going to prison was the best thing to happen to me. I vowed to always raise up the man who lost his life because of me and my friend.”
Paul expressed getting involved in this coming election and having people vote.
“We can’t rest,” Paul said. “It’s still people who want to take us back to tough-on-crime laws.
We must get involved—things can either slow down or speed up, according to our voice.”
Keynote speakers were San Quentin alumni Mike Tyler and J.C. Cavitt, who both spoke passionately about returning to the prison, and the work that needs to be done once one is released. Both went through the TRUST program.
“Everything we are learning in these groups is needed in society,” said Cavitt, who is working with Project Kinship, a re-entry program in Orange County. He is also attending California State University, Fullerton.
“It’s a book narrative that is being told about us,” Cavitt said. “But these criminal and social justice movements cannot be spoken about or moved without including us. What we are doing now matters.
“We just didn’t get out; we got involved,” he added.
Tyler is working with people in San Francisco Bay Area jails to get their GEDs as an operation coordinator.
“I just didn’t prepare to get out, but to stay out,” Tyler said. “It was my life dreams that kept me going as I would walk the (prison) track. Even when I got denied at the (parole) board, I just went back to the drawing board.
“So keep your dreams in front of you, and put yourself in a position to get out and stay out,” added Tyler.
The two men shook hands and embraced the men they once walked the yard with and took the program with.
Next, the graduates celebrated their accomplishments as one by one they crossed the Protestant Chapel stage.
“I haven’t graduated from very much,” said Alex Ross, who was a part of Project LA. “I got my GED in High Desert (state prison). But through this program I gained the tools not just to survive but stay home.”
The group sponsors and volunteers were also recognized with wooden plaque for their service.
“I thank everyone for their hard work. I thank the men for opening up in these programs,” said Louis “Louie” Light, TRUST member and MC of the event. “What makes this group different from others is the variety of volunteers and their ability to mix things up.”
As Singh made her last rounds through the room saying her goodbyes, sponsor Helaine Melnitzer captured the moment saying, “I’m really going to miss my San Quentin soul sister.”

14th annual Health Fair held under smoky skies

November 2, 2017 by Marcus Henderson

Participants learn to practice Tai Chi in the Lower Yard Gym

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 not have gone in for an appointment.”

The Oct. 13 event was held on the Lower Yard where various buildings were put to new use and booths were strategically placed on the yard for services. Lines of men visited the different booths and received health information from the professionals.

Nurses demonstrating eye exams

“This event gets harder to organize every year,” said Dr. Ian Tremayne, organizer of the chiropractor volunteers. “But with everything going on in the world, being here is awesome. I get hate mail because of what we do here, but our jobs are being servants. Healthcare is a right, not a privilege. It’s not judgmental.

“Some of these guys haven’t been touched with care in years and to see them walk away with a smile, you take that to heart,” said Tremayne.

The chiropractors were stationed inside the prison’s gym, adjusting bodies and necks to relieve prisoners’ pains. Meanwhile, other inmates were taken through the different postures and poses of Tai Chi with the practitioners from ROOTS Friends and Asian Health Services.

Students learning about flu shots and immunity

“It’s about awareness. I want to leave here a better man, and I’m thinking about my future”

“Each person who gets an adjustment and gets in touch with themselves is going to affect how they treat other people,” said chiropractor Darren Murphy. “In a prison population, that’s very important. We free tension and pressure on nerves.”

Tai Chi instructor Rayna Young added, “Tai Chi helps with your flexibility and strength; it calms you and lowers your blood pressure. It clears your mind and helps you shower yourself with positive energy, which everyone needs, especially with what’s going on in the world.”

Noticeably missing at this year’s fair was the acupressure station provided by the American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine. It was hard for the teachers and students to reschedule, after the fair was canceled in August, due to a San Quentin lockdown, said TRUST sponsors.

“This was a good experience,” said inmate Gene Daniels, taking in his first health fair. “It’s about awareness. I want to leave here a better man, and I’m thinking about my future. We want to be judged by what is possible and not our past.”

The men were able to fill out a California Advance Health Care Directive, a medical decision form available inside the gym area. The form dealt with end-of-life decisions. A notary public was on hand to certify the form.

Nurse providing information about medical Advance Directives

“It’s important because a lot of people have medical needs and are not getting treatment,” said inmate Jesse Gomez, who also was attending his first health fair. “It’s about getting knowledge of a healthy lifestyle.”

Workers from the Alameda County Public Health Department (ACPHD) helped the men fill out the required paperwork.

“The form allows the men to be advocates for themselves and the people whom they trust with their medical decisions,” said Jen Li, ACPHD volunteer. “People always say I will do it tomorrow, but tomorrow is not promised.”

In another building prisoners received blood pressure, glucose, eye and hearing checks, administered by Bay Area Black Nurses Association and University of San Francisco Nursing Students (USFNS).

Nurse taking blood to test for glucose and cholesterol

“There’s something about being able to help people and being able to help in any way,” said Lupita Estrada, who helped Sonoma County fire victims the day before coming up to SQ.

Norlissa Cooper, also of USFNS, added, “It’s important for people to have glucose and cholesterol screening and learning the right foods to eat, whether inside or outside. We have to teach each other as a community, so we can cut down on the negative statistics.”

Dental and mental health seminars were held in the education building. In one classroom the men were taken through the proper way of brushing and the process for emergency dental care. Therapy techniques were offered in another classroom on effective ways to use leisure time to manage stress.

Students learn important information about dental health

Participant taking part in the hearing test

“The more you eat, the more plaque is created. Rinse with water. Eat less frequently – if you eat M&M’s, eat them all and be done with it, then rinse,” said Eileen Hamlin, a Registered Dental Assistant with the Alameda County Dental Department. “I still have my teeth because I learned to take care of them,” she said.

Hamlin also advised that if you have diabetes, it’s more important to keep your mouth clean so bacteria won’t affect the heart or diabetes.

Participants spinning the wheel about the facts of STDs

Courtney Murphy, another volunteer, added, “A lot of what we drink affects our teeth. Soda and energy drinks are worst, coffee not that bad. The more sugar, the more bacteria and the more tooth decay.

“Bacteria can travel through the body. The mouth is the window to the body. People have died from tooth infections,” continued Murphy, also of the Alameda County Office of Dental Health.

Spiritual healing offered prayers for participants

On the yard the men received nutritious snacks (granola bars, almonds, blueberry packs) as they visited the booths of Centerforce, a peer health group; Iglesia Jesus Sana y Salva (Jesus Heals and Saves Church), who provided prayers; and Alameda Public Health Investigators, who discussed HIV awareness and other STDs.

Chiropractor adjusting the back of a participant

At the public health booth prisoners spun a wheel labeled with questions related to healthy or unhealthy relationships to receive their prizes.

“People need to know what’s new in healthcare and prevention,” said Mariam R., public health investigator. “We do care about these men’s health because they are a part of the community. We have to know what parts of the population are being infected, because sexual health is a vital part of your health.”

Dr. Ames speaking in the therapy class

Spiritual volunteer Columba Ortega added, “Love motivates me to come here. Love brings us here. Our volunteers are anxious to get here every year. Sometimes people just need someone to talk to, and we like them to share with us. We wish we could do more.” This is Ortega’s third year attending the health fair with her husband, Marciano Ortega.

The TRUST health fair started as a small affair that was held in the SQ Chapel area. It has grown into the biggest health fair for prisoners in the country, said inmate Philip Senegal, TRUST vice chairman.

“We want to keep you informed. You are the voice within and we can take your messages outside. We work with multiple services to help those affected by incarceration,” concluded Lyles.“We’re committed to the SQ community. You guys are our brothers, uncles, fathers – this gives us an opportunity for dialogue and to prepare you all for release,” said Dolores (CQ) Lyles, Executive Director of Centerforce.

-—Rahsaan Thomas and Jesse Vasquez contributed to the story

Quentin Cooks grads serve six-course meal

June 1, 2017 by Wayne Boatwright

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 “job-ready” to work for any California restaurant.

“This is real-world training, and all graduates get help with job placement upon completion and parole,” affirms Helaine “Lanie” Melnizter of TRUST (Teaching Responsibility Utilizing Sociological Training), a co-sponsor of the program.

Eddie-Landeros-(center)-and-Julio-Saca-(left)-speaking-with-potential-employers

Eddie Landeros (center) and Julio Saca (right) speaking with potential employers

TRUST provides practical support for Northern California and works with Project LA for Southern California. These organizations help newly released inmates take the tactical steps necessary to return to the community and find employment, housing and a wide range of support, from getting a phone to opening a bank account. TRUST/Project LA have committed to follow-up with graduates for a year after release.

Attendees included Warden Ron Davis, sponsors and potential employers of these job-ready graduates. The Quentin Cooks had their work cut out for them, as there were approximately 70 guests, double the attendees of the first graduating class in October 2016.

As most of the guests worked in the hospitality industry or managed their own restaurants, they all anticipated a meal worthy of Chef Lisa’s talent.

In order to introduce themselves to the guests, the graduates also served the meal they had prepared:

AMUSE (crostini, fava, ricotta, Java lump crab)

SPRING SALAD (butter lettuce, carrot, radish, cucumber, shallot thyme vinaigrette)

ORGANIC COUNTRY BREAD/homemade butter (donated by Peter Hughes & Pizzaiolo, Oakland)

ASPARAGUS (served with 55° salmon, truffle, yolk, lemon)

A guest at the graduation enjoys an Allen Brothers angus, Okinawa sweet potato, mushroom and kale

MEAT AND POTATOES (Allen Brothers angus, Okinawa sweet potato, mushroom, kale)

‘QUENTIN’ NO BAKE QUESO-CAKE (served with chocolate, berries)

“I saw a person at your table didn’t have water ,and you filled it, and that is the real message,” Chef Lisa told Darnell ‘Man-man’ Stewart. “The goal is a complete dining experience.”

Chef Lisa’s employer, The Chefs’ Warehouse, provided the fixings. It was clear to all who enjoyed the meal how the company earned the motto “Where the Chefs Shop.” Successful participants will receive a Chef’s Knife Set upon release.

Larry Sierengowski

“In the kitchen, we were taught to talk to everyone and trust everyone. We are a team,” said Larry Sierengowski. “Don’t matter your race or appearance. They don’t care how it got on the plate.”

Sierengowski is a second striker on a six-year term and will work with TRUST to find a job after his release. As to the 12-week course, “It was a parade of tastes from week one to graduation. My favorite new item was the purple Okinawa sweet potatoes. I’ve invited at least 20 to take the class.”

Michael “Yahya” Cooke said he took the class because “it’s the only profession that you don’t have to wait to be paid to eat.” By the end of the course he had gained an understanding of public safety and work training.

The certification training and testing was provided by Mike Sabella of FoodSafetyCertified.org. “I’ll be working with Mike with the National Restaurant Association to prepare for a Food Protection Manager’s examination jointly with next class,” Cooke said.

Not only did he invite many H-Unit residents to attend the next class, scheduled to begin in July, but he also has a dream of a restaurant of his own, “The Shack was an old boathouse built onto the pier and would be a dream restaurant.”

Darnell ‘Man-man’ Stewart serves up an AMUSE (crostini, fava, ricotta and Java lump crab)

Darnell “Man-man” Stewart lives by the motto “Got to feel your way to the top.” “Quentin Cooks trained me, and I now have the courage to go ahead and talk with these people,” Stewart asserted. By the end of the night, Stewart had four different invitations to interview with potential employers.

A wait-list already exists for the next class.

This program is made possible by a partnership between TRUST and The Chefs’ Warehouse, a nationwide distributor of gourmet food and restaurant supplies.

http://sanquentinnews.com/optionb-org-support-group-overcoming-effects-incarceration/
http://sanquentinnews.com/quentin-cooks-gets-standing-ovation-from-30-wardens/
http://sanquentinnews.com/tasty-graduation-for-the-first-class-of-sq-chefs/

Former prisoners return for TRUST graduation

May 1, 2017 by Juan Haines

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 from this place.”

Leal was released from San Quentin in 2014, after passage of Proposition 36, which changed the Three-Strikes Law and allowed a judge to re-consider his life sentence.

“There are a lot of people that don’t believe that anything is possible,” said Leal, wearing a business suit and standing before an audience of more than 150. Pointing down he added, “I used to clean this floor,” then with raised hands, “and slept in those cells. People look, at me and don’t believe that I’ve been to prison.”

Leal encouraged the graduates to continue taking self-help programs, saying it would pay off in the future.

“There are people betting against you,” Leal said. “But you can do it, because there are also lots of people out there ready to support you; keep the trust and keep pushing.”

Formerly incarcerated Robert “Red” Frey talked about the challenges of being out of prison and into society.

“Thank goodness that I have had programs that have taught me how to respond to things out there, instead of reacting,” Frey said. “But, one of the biggest challenges for you guys is looking in the mirror and seeing the person who’s really there and not the person we’re trying to project on those Level Four yards,” referring to doing time in a maximum-security prison, instead of San Quentin, a medium-security prison.

Joseph Paul Jr. is sponsor for Project LA, which assists newly released inmates in their return to the community.

“E-22842 was my prison number,” Paul said. “I can’t replace the man whose life I took, but for the grace of God, my motivation is that I know that lives can change, because mine did.”

Paul called inmates like Leal and Frey, “the inmates who have blazed trails in leadership.” Then Paul addressed the graduates and acknowledged that they had “used their time wisely.”

Along with Project LA and TRUST graduates were Spanish Anger Management and Health and Wellness graduates.

The Health and Wellness program is a 12-week course that goes deeply into trauma and the way it affects a person’s behavior. The purpose of the course is to bring healing to the unresolved traumas, according to its program director, Ameeta Singh.

“What you have in this environment — folks in mainstream society don’t have that kind of checking system. So you guys are ahead of the game, because you know yourself better than those out on the streets,” Paul said.

“Seeing Red and Kenyatta was very inspiring,” said TRUST Chairman, Orlando Harris, who has been incarcerated for 34 years. “They exemplify what hope looks like.

“These guys are part of TRUST and are now thriving in the community. Now I know that people want to help us. They will extend a helping hand. We aren’t asking for a handout, just a little help getting on our feet, once we get out.”

Harris goes to the parole board in 2020.

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TRUST Spanish Anger Management Graduation

July 1, 2016 by Eddie Herena

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 filled the surrounding space as he and his co-instructor, Arnold Chaves, D. Ed., joined hands in circle fashion with their graduating class.
The calm, quiet atmosphere created by the chapel’s vacant pews, an altar, and relief sculpture of Christ’s crucified body — symbols that normally contribute to the church’s serenity — was analogous to what the men learned during the 12-week course curriculum.
The program was geared to help the men learn “acceptable ways of expressing anger by gaining a better understanding of self,” said Chaves. The men also learned “stress tips” like the “3-second rule,” a self-talk strategy designed to challenge a decision before an action. The program also focused on the importance of communicating and understanding “war words versus win words,” added Chaves.
But the peace and tranquility that both the chapel and Montes’ prayer provided at the ceremony’s start was quickly filled with laughter and smiles as the men, both young and old from different parts of Latin America, relished their accomplishments.
Pablo Ramirez from Guerrero, Mexico, who is currently serving a 34-to-life sentence for attempted murder, said, “I learned that there are four different styles of communication: aggressive, assertive, passive and passive-aggressive. I was passive. I let people walk all over me. I held in my feelings until one day, I exploded.” Ramirez finished by saying, “Through the program I now better understand what caused me to commit the crime that led me to prison.”
Toward the ceremony’s end, Chaves reminded the men of the importance of effective communication and said, “Remember the story of the little girl and her father.” As it was told, a girl had two big, shiny red apples that her little hands could barely manage. Her father asked for one and before she gave one over, she bit into both, whereupon she was quickly criticized for being a greedy spoiled brat. Turns out, all she wanted was to give her father the sweetest one. Effective communication is key and an important concept the 19 graduates learned in the program.
Graduate Manuel Murillo has spent 30 years behind California prison walls — the last three at San Quentin. During these three years, he has been involved in more programs at San Quentin than he was able to during the 27 years he spent at other prisons. And yet, though he learned much through the 12-week process, he thinks there’s still a problem. “There are a limited number of programs offered to the Spanish-speaking community,” Murillo said. “I learned enough English to get involved in other programs, but the rest of the Spanish speakers are left out.”
There’s no doubt that the program was a tremendous help to the graduating men. But given the considerable percentage of the prison population whose first language is not English, the shortage of programs for them creates great difficulty when they have to face the Board of Prison Terms with little to no self-help programming.
These 19 graduates were “hungry to learn” said Chaves. And they gained the tools to “process anger before anger turns violent,” added Miguel Saldana, another incarcerated graduate striving to be a better person and ultimately, a freed one, in a pro-programming institution that has yet to break the language barrier.

TRUST Graduation Honors 88 Prisoners

March 1, 2016 by Rahsaan Thomas

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 for success in society.
“Today is about the 12th annual graduation of TRUST class 2015,” said host Michael Thompson, a TRUST member and the Project LA Chairman.
“There are about 39 TRUST members who completed their six-month curriculum. About 30 who completed Project LA’s 24-week course and 19 people who completed Health and Wellness. They consolidated the banquet for a sense of community and to give everybody their props for their commitment,” continued Thompson.
It was Project LA’s first graduating class.
Paul told the crowd of outside and inside people in the Protestant Chapel on Feb. 4 about making the most of a second chance.
“E22842,” Paul rattled off from the podium. “That was my prison number.”
He served four years for manslaughter, paroled in 1992 and has not looked back. Now he is program manager at Jericho Vocational Service Center.
“I’ve had the privilege of hiring my crime (partner in crime),” said Paul. “That same passion we used for crime is the same passion we are using right now for good.”
Paul recommended incarcerated men do five things:
1. Start now to get tools to prepare for life after custody.
2. Direct energy to maintaining support outside of prison.
3. Trust in your ability to lead a positive, prosocial life. Challenge threats to your new sets of beliefs.
4. Become an expert on you. Your real courage is being who you are, not who people want you to be.
5. Determine to use your pain, as your power.
TRUST teaches skills on how to live, how to handle family, relationships and job skills. It has a lot to do with living life and community, said graduate Donald Davis.
Project LA prepares men for the realities of paroling back to the Los Angeles area and helps released men with vocational training and utilizing re-entry services.
Health and Wellness, which began in 2008, is a 12-week course that helps men heal from past trauma.
“It’s an in-depth exploration of how trauma impacted their choices and decisions,” said Ameeta Singh, a therapist for Health and Wellness.
The incarcerated men presented a check for $1,000 to Project WHAT (We’re Here And Talking), which is a group with the goal of raising awareness about the impact on 2.7 million children who have parents in prison and to change or improve the policies that affect them.
Jessica Calderon accepted the check. Calderon’s mother was three months pregnant when her father went to prison for 17 years. Now she comes into San Quentin to speak with TRUST members and share her experiences.
“It’s all about creating a bond and keeping it,” said Calderon. “My dad watched my favorite TV show Charmed so he’d have something to talk to me about. He wrote me, but I hardly wrote back. Even if we don’t write back, it means a lot. I keep a box of all my dad’s letters.”
Singh opened her short speech with a quote by an Aboriginal political activist group from the 1970s, “If you have come to help me, you are wasting your time. But if you have come because your liberation is bound up with mine, then let us work together.”
She said she believes that healing in our own lives facilitates healing in the lives of others.
Timothy Warren opened the event with a prayer and sang Amazing Grace using his own unique form of vibrato.
Then TRUST Chairman Orlando Harris walked on stage to the sound of James Brown’s This is A Man’s World.
“TRUST’s mission statement is to assist men to become leaders,” said Harris when the music stopped. “TRUST will strive to help whoever decides to change with educational tools that turn their liabilities into assets.”
Next Project LA Executive Advisers Diana Kronstadt and Helaine Melnitzer spoke.
Kronstadt, who has worked with kids for 40 years as a psychologist, mentioned she never thought she would be working with men in prison.
“I learned the powerful truth that change is possible at any stage,” said Kronstadt.
Melnitzer thanked executive sponsor Antonia Fajardo for her support, hard work in making things happen and putting up with Melnitzer’s persistence. Melnitzer says she once chased Gavin Newsom down to speak to him about Project LA.
Inside facilitator, Angelo Alvarez, danced to the podium with James Brown’s I feel Good playing.
Alvarez, who is the San Quentin News’ Ask on the Line columnist, joked with the audience before making the serious point that incarcerated men are humans with children, siblings and parents, who are trying to make amends and who matter.
Community Partnership Manager Steve Emrick congratulated the volunteers, supporters and program graduates.
The graduates and volunteers expressed how much the programs helped them all.
Bootsy Coleman said, “Joe Paul was very inspiring to me, and Michael Thompson gave great information.”
Thompson said, “Speaking for Project LA, what my men get out of it is a sense of belonging. They see that our group has their best interest at heart, and the resources they get, they can really use in society.”
Diana Williams is a volunteer who oversees the Employment Readiness Seminars. She does it “because I come out of prison and I feel happier. It’s like Ameeta’s quote. I’m not helping anybody. I feel like I get more out of it … understanding our own humanity and how we are all connected to each other.”
Kronstadt said, “Seeing these men struggling to bring out their best self brings out the best self in me.”
“Majority of people locked in U.S. have severe neglect and abuse in childhood,” said Singh. “We go over the Advise Childhood Experience study. People take this information, and it transforms their lives.”
Professor of Sociology John Ely brings his St. Mary’s College students in to TRUST to learn about class and race. His students have worked with Dr. Gary Mendez on a book about TRUST.
Project LA taught graduate Russell Bowden his employment rights. He learned responsibility and how to interview.
Antwan “Banks” Williams closed out the event by performing inspirational rap songs.
“Freedom, I am on my way. I’m in prison, but all I see is free air,” rapped Williams.
–Kevin D. Sawyer contributed to this story

TRUST and Centerforce 12th Annual Health Fair

October 1, 2015 by Kevin Sawyer

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 helped make this one-day event possible.
“It gets better and better every year,” said Angel Falcone, an inmate coordinator with TRUST and Centerforce. “Today, we are making history.”
This health fair is unique in that so many healthcare services are made available to inmates at one time. They were able to have their hearts checked, blood tested and blood pressure read. Additionally, in the dental hygiene room inmates were given free toothbrushes and toothpaste.
For some inmates, this was their first opportunity to receive such an array of healthcare literature and services.
“This was my first time going to something like this,” said Clenard Wade, after receiving chiropractic service. “I had a problem in my shoulder, and they took care of that. I had trouble getting on the bunk, and now I have the energy.”
The day began with orientation for the volunteers. Falcone presented awards to various volunteers who were instrumental in making the health fair a success.
“Twelve years ago the men had a vision about their health care,” said Mildred Crear, keynote speaker and member of the Bay Area Black Nurses Association. “Hopefully we can pass this on to other generations.”
Crear said things have really changed, and healthcare is becoming more universal.
Centerforce Executive Director Larry Hill also thanked the supporters. “By virtue of your being here you’ve made a huge statement,” he said.
Associate Warden Jeff Lawson thanked everyone on behalf of Warden Ron Davis and Chief Deputy Warden Kelly Mitchell.
“It is our job as staff to set the example for the men who will return to society,” Lawson said.
Steve Emrick, San Quentin’s community partnership manager, worked in tandem with staff and inmates to coordinate the event.
The American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine (ACTCM) volunteers place ear seeds on inmates’ ears. Once the ear seeds are placed, inmates were supposed to experience a relaxing effect with warm sensations, according to ACTCM literature. The treatment is said to leave people feeling “rejuvenated, nourished, and relaxed.”
“I don’t know if it works,” said Jerome Boone, who received acupressure. “I’ve never tried it before and thought I’d give it a shot.”
Dr. Ian Tremayne, who came from Chiropractic Services of Marin, saw more than 500 inmates at this year’s health fair.
“I’m here every year. This year’s definitely been bigger,” said Tremayne. “We’d be here every month if we could.”
Rebecca Ferrell is working on her pre-doctoral clinical psychology degree and has been volunteering with TRUST since June. She said it helps her to know this is what she wants to do while also helping to reduce recidivism.
Centerforce is a major sponsor of the health fair. Headed by Dr. Julie Lifshay, Manager of Special Projects, the organization paid for lunches for advisers who helped to organize the event.
“We’re that bridge between the community and San Quentin,” said Lifshay. “It’s collaboration. We all meet and communicate. We’re all working together. There was a lot of participation by volunteers and staff. The (SQ) administration is very supportive.”
“Overall, it was an enriching experience for all of us,” said Emrick. “I’d really like to acknowledge the staff members who helped process all of the health fair volunteers. They did an extremely well job. The processing was fluid.”
Inmate Mariscal Brijido has participated with TRUST for five years. “I’m volunteering to make a change in my life. I want to be able to help others so that I won’t continue to be selfish in my own life. By helping others, you help yourself to make changes in your life.”
“I’m impressed with the number of people here giving support and also the longevity of it,” said Diana Williams, a TRUST volunteer for 11 months. This was her first health fair.
The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation’s (CDCR) mental health department made its first appearance at the health fair this year.
“This is our maiden voyage,” said Dr. Kathleen O’Meara, CDCR Regional Administrator for Mental Health. She said the department has integrated mental health into the health fair to get the word out to inmates that it’s okay to use its services.
“It’s better to get help than fall apart,” said O’Meara. “Know your triggers.” Frankie Smith is an inmate involved with self-help group Brother’s Keepers that worked with TRUST. They helped run the workshops on mental health. “She (O’Meara) is really on board with us,” he said. “She really cares.”
“We want to change people’s mindset from criminal and anti-social to pro-social by managing their anger and processing their internal emotions,” said Sam W. Johnson Sr., an inmate and co-leader of the group Alliance for Change.
Tanisha André works in the main medical building. She was a volunteer for three years before her employment with CDCR.
“We try to reach inmates to find out what their needs are,” said André. “I’m excited to be a part of it and see what’s being offered to you.”
Timing was not good for the San Quentin dental department. No one attended the health fair. According to Dr. Mettu and Lisa S. (RDA) the California Dental Association had a convention in San Francisco the same day so they were short of available staff.
“I’m a health instructor and today not only helped the men in here; it helped my students as well,” said Larry Vitale, an RN and Professor in the Nursing School at San Francisco State University. “This day gives us a chance to talk about life long choices. This is a chance they (inmates) can change their view points and walk a way from this with a positive outlook.”
“I love coming here. It’s well organized,” said Megan McDrew, a volunteer with TRUST in the acupressure area. “We saw over 150 inmates in the fi rst hour.”
Shannon Gordhamer of Centerforce said, “Everybody worked their tables and talked about health related issues. We want to use this as a jump off point for our AIDs Day event.”
Gordhamer teaches health information about HIV, Hepatitis C, TB and Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI). She said, “Once inmates learn health information, they can use the tools to help educate others.”
“This day helps inspire the new nurses,” said Crear. “By working with the inmates they get the feel of working inside a prison or jail. It’s different to experience this; than just hearing a about it.”
“We want to turn the power on in every individual to live the ultimate human existences,” said Dr. Havi Simran Khalsa of Chiropractic Services of Marin. “It would be great if we could come in every day. But, we are grateful to do this once a year. We are working on a stress workshop for you guys.”
Inmate Aaron Martin works with the diabetes group. He said the group is taught by Dr. Tootell, San Quentin’s Chief Medical Executive.
“We take people from basic to advanced knowledge about diabetes,” said Martin. “We passed out different recipes. It lets people know just because we have a healthy-heart diet doesn’t mean it’s healthy for diabetes.”
Diabetes cannot be cured, but it can be controlled, a pamphlet provided says. It instructs those who suffer from diabetes to “eat healthy foods every day, be active often and take medicine as prescribed,” Martin said.
Volunteer Kim Bailey worked with the diabetes group. This was her sixth health fair. A nurse by trade, she is also on the Board of Directors for the San Quentin Cares Breast Cancer Walk Committee. “I come in here a lot,” said Bailey.
Eric Faulks works with California Re-entry Institute. He volunteered to help provide inmates with other useful information such as that used for Board of Parole Hearings, resume writing, victim letter writing, parole plans, birth certificate, Social Security card and DMV identification.
“Gather as much information as possible; digest as much information as possible, and don’t be afraid to ask for information,” said Faulks.
Norman Tillman is an RN GNP with the Bay Area Black Nurses Association. This was his second health fair. He said, “Everybody looks like they’re from my neighborhood. This is good for me because I get to treat people like people.”
“I had a chance to reconnect with a lot of people I haven’t seen in a while,” said Dolores Lyles, Regional Program Manager with Centerforce. “I’m all about change and social justice. I do this from the heart.” She said Centerforce has been partnering with San Quentin for 38 years back when it started the Visiting Center.

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