GEO Reentry Services Pomona Day Reporting Center (DRC) recently held a graduation to celebrate program participants. DRC provides cognitive behavioral treatment, education, employment, programming, community connections, and accountability. Participants are assigned to the program via referral by their Parole Agent.
DRC’s last graduation celebration was in 2021. DRC held the event as a drive-by non-contact graduation due to the pandemic. This is the first in-person graduation celebration since October 2019.
Family, staff attend celebration
Thirty-two participants, family members, friends, and DRC staff all participated in the festivities. Chief Deputy Regional Administrator Jason Johnson and District Administrator Tiffany Johnson both gave speeches. They thanked the participants for their hard work and dedication to the program.
Also in attendance included:
- Division of Adult Parole Operations (DAPO) San Gabriel Valley District staff
- Rachelle De Silva, Parole Agent III
- Robert Gaston, Parole Agent III (A)
- Ty Berry, Parole Agent II
- Luis Talavera, Parole Agent II
- Derrick Richardson, Parole Agent
- Frederick Nichols, Parole Agent
- and Susan Calhoun, Parole Service Associate
Graduates had the opportunity to speak at the ceremony. Several praised DAPO parole agents and DRC staff for helping them through the process. Multiple participants provided quotes stating:
“I learned how to love myself, this is the first time that I ever graduated from anything.”
“The only reason I’m here is because my Parole Agent wanted me to, and it’s only because of him I’m here now. Look at me, I’m graduating!’
“Because of my Parole Agent and this program, I now have a job. I recently received a promotion at work and have maintained housing and a car”.
Several participants approached Chief Deputy Johnson and expressed their gratitude for the department and the program.
Case Manager Supervisor Mechelle Siles thanked DAPO staff for their support and continuous partnership.
Story by Susan Calhoun, Parole Service Associate
Division of Adult Parole Operations