Pooling their limited resources, the incarcerated population at the Correctional Training Facility (CTF) donated $21,500 to the Special Olympics.
Inspired by a successful Special Olympics fundraiser at CSP-Solano, Correctional Counselor Shannon Dunaven decided to try it at CTF.
Those who live and work at CTF, including Capt. Toni Selby and Capt. Mike Deveric, organized food sales, photo sales, and a torch run/walk event.
Felix Santistevan, the incarcerated event chairman, worked with others to help put on the fundraisers.
“The respective CTF departments did a great job coming together to help us pull off these events,” said Santistevan.
Scott Souza, with the Special Olympics of Northern California and Nevada, was grateful.
“(We are) truly thankful for the support of CDCR and the dedicated population at CTF. Your hard work enables us to positively impact the lives of 26,000 Special Olympic athletes in Northern California,” he said.
TeJay Steele, one of the incarcerated event coordinators, said he enjoyed hearing from the Special Olympians about how much the competition means to them.
“It’s really great to see how passionate the athletes are,” Steele said. “It makes you realize how much a sense of purpose drives us towards our goals, no matter what obstacles or circumstances we face in life.”
By Lt. Wil Landrum
See more community involvement stories.
Learn more about Special Olympics of Northern California.
Follow CDCR on YouTube, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter). Listen to the CDCR Unlocked podcast.