The San Quentin TRUST program celebrated 20 years of guiding the personal growth of prison residents with a graduation ceremony for its three affiliated groups.

Teaching Responsibility Utilizing Sociological Training, helps participants develop emotional awareness, open up, and form meaningful connections within their communities.

Project LA/Bay Area prepares participants for re-entry by sharpening their financial, employment, and communication skills needed for a successful parole.

“Graduating is no small feat. You should be very proud,” began keynote speaker Shelley Winner. “Change is possible and a brighter future is within your reach.”

Winner shared her intimately personal story of the transformative power of rehabilitation with the audience. After struggling with drug addiction as a teenager, she was caught selling drugs and served four years in prison.

“That’s when I realized I had the power to change my own path … to change my patterns of thinking and behavior,” said Winner, referring to dozens of self-help programs she embraced.

“In TRUST, Project LA/ Bay Area, and Spanish Anger Management, we have learned the tools to be productive when we get out,” said First.

Arnold Chavez addressed the attendees in Spanish and English, describing how he took classes to learn to develop and facilitate the Spanish Anger Management program.

Resident and TRUST alumnus First said, “I’m thankful for Dr. Arnold Chavez because he believed in me. I’m proud to have worked with him.”