Parole agents Eddy Yee and Mark Ebuen recently spoke to long-term incarcerated people at CSP-Sacramento to help prepare them for reentry.
When long-term incarcerated individuals prepare for reentry into their communities, being proactive is key.
Proactive parole agents speak at CSP-Sacramento
San Francisco Division of Adult Parole (DAPO) agents Yee and Ebuen work toward this reentry effort, helping long-term incarcerated people learn about what to expect when navigating community reintegration challenges.
At CSP-Sacramento, they discussed the importance of taking advantage of CDCR resources, such as assistance with housing plans, job preparation, and employment.
They said it is also important to obtain identification cards, confirm Social Security information, and establish a credit score by opening checking and savings accounts.
The presentation also included parolee Rocky Hunt and another successfully discharged parolee. Both shared their journeys with the audience.
“It’s important to do the work inside so you’re not so stressed out when you get out,” Hunt said. “Parole is a lot different than it used to be. There are so many resources available, especially in San Francisco. I can call my parole agent when I have a problem and he provides support instead of trying to put me back in prison.”
Hunt is now a Participatory Defense Coordinator at Oakland-based Communities United for Restorative Youth Justice (CURYJ).
“We are here for our lifer parolees,” said Yee. “When they face reentry issues, we tell them their first call should be to us.”
Ebuen is Hunt’s assigned parole agent, but if he is not available, Yee is ready to assist.
“Rocky knows he can call me for assistance or any other lifer agent,” Yee said.
Yee and Ebuen started their DAPO careers at the Basic Parole Agent Academy in November 2015.
Interested in becoming a parole agent? Learn more on the CDCR website.
By Mary Xjimenez, Information Officer II
Office of Public and Employee Communications
Learn more about CDCR’s parole agents.
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