Incarcerated people statewide have the opportunity to have highly visible tattoos removed at no charge. These tattoos not only present a barrier to future employment, they also often symbolize a lifestyle that person has left behind. More and more people are having their tattoos removed through a CDCR contract with Ink Doctors, which facilitates mobile tattoo removal services at all CDCR institutions.
As the holidays approach, CDCR Secretary Jeff Macomber took a moment to share gratitude with staff on behalf of the CDCR and CCHCS executive teams for all of their hard work. He highlighted those in our institutions who will be working on the holidays, and their families. As 2023 nears its finish, Secretary Macomber and the rest of the leadership team look forward to a promising New Year.
The Resource Team at Salinas Valley State Prison is making a difference in the lives of incarcerated people, and their own, working with some of the toughest population in the entire prison system. With support from local leadership, the team employs the four pillars of the California Model which benefits those in their care as well as their overall health and job satisfaction.
This iteration of Prison Palooza at California Medical Facility (CMF) in Vacaville features local bands performing on two alternating stages, BBQ, classic cars, horseshoes and a corn hole tournament and much more. This California Model style event provides normalization for the incarcerated population and common ground for all who work and reside in the prison to enjoy everyday activities with each other.
Summer Palooza, Folsom State Prison’s transformative California Model event, united the incarcerated population, volunteers, and staff. Spirited games forged bonds and helped break down barriers between staff and the incarcerated population. his event serves as a powerful reminder that even behind prison walls, the human spirit has the capacity to thrive through unity, compassion, and the common thread of our shared humanity.
A transformation is underway within the California’s correctional system. At its core, the California Model is a paradigm shift, a transformation that will ripple through every correctional facility in the state. The time for a change is now and CDCR, inspired by international best practices, is committed to reimagining the correctional landscape. One of the California Model’s cornerstones is “dynamic security,” a concept that seeks to build bridges between employees and incarcerated people.
A dedicated coach at Mule Creek State Prison has designed an ADA program to help people stay active no matter their age or ability. At Mule Creek, Facilities D and E were constructed in 2016 to meet Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements for incarcerated persons with disabilities. Mule Creek E-Yard Coach Andrew Scholl created Walking and Rolling as an ADA program to help the aging incarcerated population.
The nonprofit Freedom Reads has partnered with CDCR to open Freedom Libraries at Valley State Prison (VSP) and Central California Women’s Facility (CCWF). A carefully curated, 500-book collection is now available at each institution. Books were placed in mini portable libraries in each of VSP’s 17 housing units and also made available to staff. CCWF opened five housing unit libraries. Each bookshelf is handcrafted and curved to contrast the straight lines and bars of prisons as well as to evoke Martin Luther King Jr.’s line about the “arc of the universe” bending “toward justice.”
Coaches Bryan Eskew of Avenal State Prison, Doug Moran of Pleasant Valley State Prison (PVSP), and Heidi Wippel of California State Prison, Corcoran State collaborated to provide support of the California Model through increased interaction with volunteers from the community. Mastery Prison Ministries provided four days of softball and fellowship through their Home Run Derby.
Change requires hard work and difficult decisions, so Officer John Janvrin asks graduating participants to embrace their achievements. Janvrin works with the Offender Mentor Certification Program at CSP-Los Angeles County. The first cohort of level four incarcerated participants recently graduated thanks in part to the support offered by Janvrin.
On Friday, Sept. 8, Mule Creek State Prison invited Prison Fellowship to have a soccer match against D and E yard. In the end, Mule Creek claimed the win with 5-3. On display was a very positive demonstration of sportsmanship, skill, and teamwork. The population showed that they can come together as a team and conducted themselves in a way that shows positive reinforcement of their rehabilitation.
CDCR, in collaboration with Impact Justice’s Food in Prison program, unveiled a new initiative to bring locally grown produce to its institutions. CDCR’s commitment to promoting local agriculture and culinary excellence is an achievement worth celebrating. “Harvest of the Month” (HOTM) showcases the department’s dedication to sustainable food practices and supporting local farmers and food hubs. It also provides a chance to taste new foods.
The POOCH program at RJ Donovan Correctional Facility (RJD) has found a supporter in TV and film personality Rosie O’Donnell. To show her support, she visited RJD to meet some of the staff, incarcerated dog trainers and tour the facility. The POOCH program is made possible thanks to Guide Dogs of America/Tender Loving Canines, in partnership with RJD. The trained dogs help people with PTSD and autism, while also aiding incarcerated participants’ rehabilitation as they learn from professional dog trainers.
Central California Women’s Facility (CCWF) hosted a Bridging the Gap event, providing a normalized environment for staff and the population. The event in line with one of the California Model’s seven pillars: “efforts to normalize the environment.” The Bridging the Gap CCWF event provided an opportunity for staff and incarcerated individuals to interact with one another as equals with a full day of activities. including lunch and games.
The wheelchair basketball program at California Medical Facility (CMF) is teaching sportsmanship, athletic skill, and acceptance. There, Coach J. Holland is dedicated to not only providing opportunities for incarcerated people to play sports, but also to build community and camaraderie. Staff and incarcerated people gathered for opening night to kick off the wheelchair basketball program, called “Rollin’ to Rebound.” The event included Paralympic medal-winning athletes who volunteered their time and skills for an exhibition game with the incarcerated athletes.