Peer mentorship is transformation cornerstone
Peer mentorship within the California Model empowers the incarcerated population to use their lived experiences as tools for mutual support.
A shining example is the Youth Offender Rehabilitative Community (YORC) at Valley State Prison (VSP), spearheading peer mentorship initiatives. In this community, incarcerated mentors, such as Clarence Kilber, play a vital role in guiding their peers and becoming positive influences.
Kilber, a VSP mentor, reflects on his journey: “Mentoring and helping facilitate groups is what helped me learn a lot about myself. For so many years, I’ve been part of the problem. Now I’m being a part of the solution.”
Impact of the Youthful Offender Rehabilitative Community (YORC)
Through programs like YORC, incarcerated individuals engage in trauma-informed activities that address the root causes of criminal behavior. VSP, in particular, expands its innovative offerings, ranging from art and music to media production and even horse therapy. This multifaceted approach aims to create a rehabilitative environment within the prison walls.
Building a supportive community
YORC at VSP builds a sense of community, alleviating the isolation often felt in prison. Gabriel Aguilar, a mentee turned mentor, emphasizes, “Peer mentorship helps people not feel alone. It’s like an accountability. Somebody there for you when you need it most.”
Ripple effect peer mentorship
Clarence Kilber and Gabriel Aguilar underscore the ripple effect of peer mentorship. Kilber notes, “It definitely makes a safer community because of the relatability, the conversations that we’re able to have with staff, right? It’s a ripple effect.”
As CDCR collaborates with experts and implements the California Model statewide, the transformation gains momentum. Peer mentorship emerges as a powerful tool, fostering a sense of community, accountability, and trust among incarcerated individuals. The California Model invites us to be part of this transformative journey, where respect paves the way for a better future.
Learn more about the California Model on the CDCR website.
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