Regardless of the season, last year CDCR, CCHCS and DJJ employees raised money and volunteered their time to help improve their communities.
PVSP refurbished bicycles in high demand over holidays
The City of Huron was grateful for the donation of bicycles. 
Clovis staff was grateful for Pleasant Valley State Prison’s refurbished bicycles. 
Sergeant Depond presents bicycles to the City of Huron. 
Sergeant James Depond presents bicycles to the City of Reedley.
The Pleasant Valley State Prison Bike Program has been in high demand for refurbished bikes. The incarcerated men worked hard to repair and refurbish the donated bikes so that they could make it into the hands of children.
And with the generous donations of materials, supplies and tools from law enforcement and other CDCR institutions, the amount repaired and returned to local communities has exceeded previous years. This is due, in part, to the continued support from acting Warden Ron Godwin and Associate Warden Matt Martin, Complex II.
“In 2022, we hope to continue growing the Bike Program and provide refurbished bikes to the surrounding communities. The men like knowing that their efforts and hard work are appreciated by the kids. In 2021, our Bike Program has been able to donate just under 200 bikes to organizations,” said Sgt. James Depond.
In December, bike donations went to:
- Kingsburg High School Music Department, silent auction item (pictured with bikes Gini Muradian, Teacher)
- Central Valley Home School, Kingsburg, prizes for top achieving students
- PVSP, Plant Operations – adopt a family for the holidays – 4 families selected
- City of Reedley – Holiday Program (Jesus Rodriguez, Recreation Coordinator City of Reedley, Frankie Hernandez, Recreation Leader)
- Avenal Community Activities Department – Holiday Program
- Substance Abuse Treatment Abuse Facility (SATF) and the city of Corcoran with the Help of Pleasant Valley State Prison (PVSP) for Christmas.
- City of Clovis – (pictured Corporal Hutch, Clovis Police Department) Holiday Program
- Huron Boys & Girls Club – Holiday Program
Submitted by Lieutenant Michael Harris
CIW fills holiday wish-list for 39 foster children and young adults
The California Institution for Women (CIW) partnered with Sunrise Horizon, a non-profit home-finding agency that helps Children and Family Services. Formerly known as the Homes for Hope Foster Family Agency, it has served Los Angeles County since 1994.
CIW staff came together and fulfilled the Christmas wish-list for 39 foster children and young adults.
CIW also had a food sale and raised $1,863, which was used to purchase bags, backpacks, and luggage for children that are removed from their homes (Typically when children are removed from their homes they are provided a trash bag to collect their clothing prior to removal). $1,000 was used to purchase gift cards to clothing stores to be issued to children upon intake by Sunrise Horizon.
On Saturday, December 11, 2021, CIW staff participated in
Sunrise Horizon’s drive-thru event. Foster families collected the gifts provided by CIW staff, food items, backpacks, stuffed animals, gift cards, and other items.
CIW staff will continue to assist Sunrise Horizon by providing similar items throughout the coming year.
If you would like to read more about Sunrise Horizon click on the link provided: https://hohffa.com/
Submitted by Lieutenant Andrew Mendoza
CSP-Sacramento staff donate money to Caldor Fire victims
California State Prison, Sacramento, Valor and Service Together (VAST) is a team dedicated to improving employee morale and community support. The goal is to expand upon the camaraderie of staff by helping each other and our community in times of need.
Most recently, the VAST team organized a very successful gift basket silent auction. There were 14 teams involved and organizers said the response and bids were astounding.
In total, the auction raised $2,380. VAST will be donating a large portion of this to the Caldor Fire Fund.
“This is a charity we felt very strongly about supporting due to the large number of our staff who were affected by the devastation of this fire, as well as so many others in our community and the surrounding communities,” said organizers.
A portion of the funds will also be used for an appreciation barbecue, or other such event, for all staff in the near future.
“We know our CSP-Sacramento family works diligently to keep our institution running efficiently, and to support each other to ensure we each return home safely every day,” organizers said.
Submitted by the CSP-Sacramento VAST Team.
Avenal prison raises $11,000 for non-profit organizations
Since September 2021, Avenal State Prison has raised over $11,000 for non-profit organizations in Kings County. The money was raised through food sales for the incarcerated population.
The non-profit organizations include the City of Avenal, Avenal Historical Society, The Poverello House, and PAW Estate Rescue & Shelter. Though the food sale options vary, the message behind them stays the same, “give back to our communities.”
Additional information on the non-profit organizations can be located at the following links:
By Lieutenant James Campbell
SATF donates over $15k to non-profit organizations
Substance Abuse Treatment Facility (SATF) recently raised $15,794 through food sales.
The Inmate Advisory Councils on the facilities coordinated with Ricky DeLa Cruz, SATF’s Community Resource Manager, to identify worthy organizations to receive the donations.
“Without everyone working together, SATF would not be able to continuously contribute to the community and all of these amazing organizations,” said Warden Theresa Cisneros.
The following organizations were selected:
- $4,570.56 for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Service Center (Fresno)
- $2,808.26 for the Make-A-Wish Foundation (Fresno)
- $1,525.29 for the Urban Tree Foundation
- $2,081.30 for the Ronald McDonald House Central Valley
- $2,850.83 for the Valley Children’s Hospital
- $1,958.25 for the Resiliency Project
Submitted by Lieutenant Brent Urban
CIM donates $17k to community organizations
“As Acting Warden for the greater part of 2021, I have witnessed California Institution for Men’s (CIM) staff support CDCR’s Vision and Mission by performing their duties with a spirit of service, leadership, integrity, accountability, and collaboration, all of which embody the Department’s values. With sincere gratitude, I thank each of you for your painstaking effort and hard work,” wrote Warden (A) James S. Hill.
“We have many achievements and highlights to recognize, though I would be remiss if I did not take a moment to honor and remember 12 of our fallen staff members, both active and retired. Throughout the hardships, challenges, and heartache of 2021, our staff has remained dedicated and resilient, and for that, I am truly thankful.”
During 2021, the institution raised $17,769 through incarcerated population fundraisers. Donations went to the Chino Youth Boxing Foundation, Chino YMCA, and Special Olympics.