CDCR, CCHCS and DJJ staff as well as the incarcerated, continue to donate to the community, benefiting those in need.
NKSP incarcerated donates to women’s shelter
A food sale for the incarcerated population at North Kern State Prison raised over $6,700 to donate to a women’s shelter.
On Dec. 20, Warden Kelly Santoro and Chief Deputy Warden Kevin Hixon donated the check to the Alpha House Women’s Shelter in Taft.
“The Alpha House is a place where they provide a safe and nurturing environment for battered women and their children while presenting them with options for a healthy lifestyle,” said Warden Santoro. “NKSP supports the Alpha House and its efforts to provide comprehensive services to their clients.”
By Lt. Joseph Lopez
NKSP staff donate to special needs prom
On Dec. 30, NKSP donated $2,500 to help fund the Special Needs Student Prom put on by the Delano Joint Union High School District. The money was donated from the NKSP Non-Profit Account and the Delano Employee Liaison Association.
Erica Lopez, High School Special Education Healthcare Aid, organizes the annual prom for special needs students.
Acting Warden Kevin Hixon and acting Chief Deputy Warden Carlos Arce presented the check to Lopez.
“This donation is to provide a special night for a great group of students. We are thankful to be able to take part in such a great experience,” said Hixon.
Lopez appreciated the financial help.
“We would like to thank Warden (A) Kevin Hixon and his staff for their generous donation for the 2022-2023 special needs prom. With this, we will be able to help give our special students a night they’ll never forget,” she said.
By Lt. Jennifer Hooten
PVSP incarcerated donate $5k to cancer research
The incarcerated population at Pleasant Valley State Prison (PVSP) elected to donate $5,000 to cancer research. The Susan G. Komen Foundation, whose mission is to invest in breakthrough research to prevent and cure breast cancer, was on hand to accept the donation.
While October is traditionally Breast Cancer Awareness, the incarcerated population wanted to support such an important cause. As they said, “We are giving green to support pink.”
Jene D’Ambrosio, local ambassador for the foundation, said the funds will go to good use. Since 1982, the foundation has invested almost $1 billion in cancer research.
“Our incarcerated population along with our PVSP Community Resource Team work diligently to have fundraisers which contribute to foundations such as Susan G. Komen, which is so meaningful to everyone. Many have been affected by this tragic disease in some way or another and we are proud to support this foundation, “said acting Warden Tristan Lemon.
Submitted by Lt. C. Mendoza
CCWF Joint Ventures Program donates nearly $30k to crime victims
Incarcerated individuals in the Joint Venture Program (JVP) at Central California Women’s Facility (CCWF) not only receive essential job skills to secure gainful employment once released, but they also help local crime victims.
Participants in the JVP earn comparable wages to non-incarcerated individuals in the respective field outside of prison. All taxes are withheld from the participant’s gross earnings, and 20 percent from each category is deducted from an incarcerated individual’s wages for room and board, inmate trust/canteen account, family support, mandatory savings and victims’ compensation.
Incarcerated individuals initially pay for all court-ordered compensation and the remaining collected restitution is placed in a “Generic Restitution Fund” for local crime victim organizations.
On Dec. 20, incarcerated individuals at CCWF, California Prison Industry Authority (CALPIA) through the JVP Allwire, Inc., gave back to local crime victims’ support groups throughout Madera and Fresno counties totaling $29,721.34.
Mollie’s House in Fresno received $14,860.67. The local non-profit group provides 24-hour residential living for young ladies ages 12 to 17 who are victims of sex trafficking.
In addition to housing, the multi-bed facility offers other services for survivors such as programs for mental health, substance abuse, and counseling.
Warden (A) Pallares personally thanked Mollie’s House founder Torrella Minor for her dedication to securing a safe place and resources for the young ladies in the community.
The other recipient was Community Action Partnership (CAP) of Madera County’s Martha Diaz Battered Women’s Shelter. The organization also received a donation for $14,860.67.
CAP provides up to 30 days of shelter, food and clothing to women and children who are in immediate danger of domestic violence.
“Giving back to the community is key and CCWF is proud to partner with organizations that place an emphasis on providing assistance to women in need of an outlet to remove themselves from a dangerous situation,” said Pallares.
Pallares congratulated both recipients and said he looks forward to continued partnerships in the future with services provided by the JVP.
Submitted by Lt. S. Rodriguez