Across California, CDCR, CCHCS and DJJ staff regularly help those in need.
Avenal prison officer’s family receives donation from coworkers
When Correctional Officer Richard “Nick” Ramos unexpectedly passed away Feb. 15, his Avenal State Prison coworkers rallied to help his family.
The prison’s employee associations and groups reached into their pockets, organized fundraisers and within a week $6,365 to Officer Ramos’ surviving family.
Organizations involved include the prison’s Employee Action Committee, California Correctional Workers Association and the prison’s chapter of the California Correctional Peace Officers Association.
Submitted by Lt. James Campbell.
Pleasant Valley State Prison Staff Supports Valley Children’s Healthcare
Armed with paper cutout hearts and a willing group of volunteers, Community Resource Manager Jeanette Bragg and Bobbi Shimmin, President of the Employee Action Committee, hosted a fundraiser benefiting Valley Children’s Healthcare in Madera.
Staff volunteers, with encouragement from acting Warden Ron Godwin and acting Chief Deputy Warden Maria Faulkner, asked donors to purchase spots for George the Giraffe, Valley Children’s mascot.
As one of the largest healthcare networks in the nation, the hospital staff are dedicated to providing medical services for our youngest citizens in the Central Valley. As their slogan states, they are “Futures Worth Fighting For.”
In the first 12 days of March, the team raised $1,040 for Valley Children’s Healthcare, giving George his spots.
To learn more about Valley Children’s Healthcare, visit https://www.valleychildrens.org/
Submitted by Lt. Alex Avila.
SATF donates over $8,000 to safe house
On, April 27, Leadership at the California Substance Abuse Treatment Facility (SATF) and State Prison presented a check for $8,084.89 to Tiffany Apodaca, co-founder and Chief Operational Officer of Breaking The Chains (BTC). The organization recently opened another safe house in January 2021 in Parlier. She said since there are more minors coming into their system, the donation will help.
The funds were raised through a food sale with the incarcerated population. Donations made to nonprofit groups from the food sales are selected by votes from the Inmate Activity Groups involved.
“We at SATF are thrilled to make this donation to such a great organization that helps so many people in need within our community,” said Warden (A) Theresa Cisneros.
Learn more about BTC.
Submitted by Lt. Brent Urban.