Across California, staff made visiting something special for the holidays. The following are examples sent to the Office of Public and Employee Communications.
Pelican Bay State Prison makes holiday visiting memorable
Pelican Bay Visiting staff decorated for Christmas and had gifts for the children on Christmas day. As the families visited their incarcerated loved ones on Christmas day, the kids received a gift in the spirit of giving.
CSP-Corcoran holds second toy drive for families
The second Christmas Toy Drive event at California State Prison, Corcoran, was a major success. The Visiting department received well over 300 toy donations.
“This event holds a special place in our hearts at California State Prison, Corcoran. We try to ensure the incarcerated population and visitors feel a sense of normalization,” according to organizers.
The population had an opportunity to select toys and wrap them before their children arrived.
For some, it was the first time in a long while they wrapped a present for a loved one. The Visiting Rooms and Processing Areas were filled with laughter, joy and some happy tears.
Warden Tammy Campbell, Visiting Lt. J. McIntyre and Visiting Sgt. D. Willard took the time to interview staff, visitors and several incarcerated people at CSP-Corcoran on various facilities. During Warden Campbell’s tour of the Visiting Rooms, she asked about their opinions about the California Model.
The population, visitors and staff excitedly talked about how implementing events like the toy drive have impacted their lives. Several of the population said times were tough at home and how this event saved Christmas for their kids. Others talked about how they have never wrapped a gift before. While this may seem like a small task to some, they said wrapping a present truly opened their eyes to life after prison. Staff were excited to see the joy on the kids’ faces and to really feel like they made a difference in someone’s life.
Holidays at High Desert State Prison
High Desert State Prison Visiting staff celebrated Christmas by making it a special day for the incarcerated population and their loved ones. Visiting rooms were decorated in a Christmas theme with traditional trees and lights. Family and friends wore Christmas sweaters and drank hot chocolate. Holiday meals with desserts were available to all in attendance, as sharing family dinner is a great way to create lasting memories, and bond with loved ones.
Families played games, made Christmas cards, painted ornaments and decorated stockings. They ended their visit with family photographs.
“Christmas is about spending time with loved ones, not money or gifts,” said one incarcerated person. “I am just happy to have the people who matter the most with me today.”
Submitted by Lt. J. Micone
CSP-Sacramento staff make holidays special
This year, in hope of starting a new visiting room tradition at California State Prison, Sacramento, families had the opportunity to bring in a gift for their incarcerated loved one to present to their child on Christmas eve and Christmas day.
The Christmas gift exchange was a success and families were pleased with the opportunity. Mental Health staff provided visiting with gingerbread cookies to give to all the families who came in over the holiday weekend. Donated funds also ensured that each child who came in for a visit was able to take home a gift. Every child also received a coloring book and set of crayons.
Visting Sgt. S. Brinton is credited with creating a welcoming environment for the incarcerated population and their families.
Submitted by Lt. David Gonzales
Visiting hosts special event at Folsom State Prison
Folsom State Prison’s annual Christmas in Visiting, held Dec. 23, provided incarcerated individuals and their loved ones with a festive experience.
Approximately 130 gifts were donated, allowing incarcerated individuals to share the joy of Christmas with attending children. The range of gifts, from small toys to brand new bicycles, added an extra layer of warmth and excitement to the event. Santa also made an appearance.
The Right Beats, a prison band, contributed to the festive atmosphere by playing Christmas songs on the visiting patio.
A few days later, one incarcerated person wrote a letter to staff, thanking them for allowing him and his wife to help decorate the visiting area.
“I have been incarcerated for 24 years, (and) this was the first holiday season when I could say I celebrated a real Christmas,” he wrote. “While I was not able to take part in the Christmas visiting, the act of decorating provided gratification in having done something others would enjoy. I appreciate giving me and my wife the opportunity and experience. Thank you.”
Submitted by Lt. Chad Deal
Making memories at California Health Care Facility
California Health Care Facility Visiting staff organized a heartwarming Christmas event for visiting families. Thanks to donations, there were drinks, pastries, and cookies to help make this holiday special. There was a new energy among families and friends as the incarcerated population were able to gift presents to their children. Meanwhile Santa made an appearance, providing candy canes.
“This event was remarkable and uplifting for all involved, contributing to a memorable holiday experience,” said organizers.
Written by Visiting Officer D. Hernandez
Submitted by Lt. Michelle Orozco
California Rehabilitation Center, church help families during visits
The California Rehabilitation Center Visiting department partnered with Abundant Living Family Church to celebrate the holidays with the incarcerated population and their loved ones. In a festive setting, they were able to sip hot cocoa and coffee, share cake and popcorn while composing Christmas cards to give to loved ones.
The incarcerated population and visitors also took photos with Christmas themed decorations and painted backdrops. Afterward, children were able to stop by a gift table and select a toy from a large variety, donated by the church.
Visiting families and the incarcerated offered words of thanks for staff efforts.
“This time of the year is meant to be full of joy and festivities. Our goal was to normalize this season for the incarcerated individuals; I feel we succeeded,” said Warden Glen Pratt had this to say. “I appreciate all the efforts of our community and visiting staff. Together they created a meaningful and memorable holiday.”
Submitted by Lt. J. Lopez
Sierra Conservation Center sees 96 holiday visits
The long holiday visiting week started Dec. 22 with 28 visitors and ended Dec. 25 with a combined total of 96 visits completed at Sierra Conservation Center.
“In aligning with the California Model, we wanted to encourage family engagement and display staff’s support of it,” said Visiting Sgt. B. Hess. “Holiday memories don’t impact just the incarcerated individual but also their family members, specifically the children who often look forward to seeing their grandfather, father, uncle or brother. The holidays are often a difficult time for incarcerated persons’ families, and we wanted to bring some positivity and joy.”
Sierra Conservation Center’s Visiting department embraced the California Model, holding the event for the incarcerated population and their loved ones. They decorated stocking-shaped cookies gingerbread people. The incarcerated population and visitors also took photos with holiday themed decorations and backdrops.
Visiting made special at Correctional Training Facility
The Correctional Training Facility (CTF) Fathers Behind Bars program hosted a holiday festival for visiting children. This event is dedicated to the children of the incarcerated individuals at the facility.
The Fathers Behind Bars program held food sale fundraisers, generating $16,000 they put toward the event. Activities included food, games, gifts for the children, and bus transportation for families.
Santa Claus was taken to the visiting room entrance thanks to the institution’s Fire Department.
Santa met with the children, distributing gifts while spreading cheer.
“Each child received gift cards, but the real gift was the chance to strengthen family bonds. This is an essential step in supporting both the children and their parents during challenging times,” said Valerie Baldwin, Correctional Counselor II.
Any funds not used during the event will be donated to a local nonprofit organization.
Story submitted by Lt. Wil Landrum, AA/PIO
Correctional Training Facility
Community group donates gifts to Central California Women’s Facility
Thanks to the Holiday Gift Bag Project, the population at Central California Women’s Facility in Chowchilla received gifts from the community.
In all, 2,500 gift bags were distributed at the facility. The bags contained greeting cards, candy canes, mixes for hot cocoa and coffee, tea, pencils, pens, paper, emery boards, lip balm and toothbrushes.
The Holiday Gift Bag Project is a network of outside community members who gather the donations, coordinated through the Community Resource Manager’s Office.
“From coordinating delivery and inspection with the warehouse, processing the donation forms, operational memorandums and communicating with the outside organization, it is a team effort,” said Courtney Waybright, Community Resource Manager. “We know the population looks forward to these gift bags every year, so we are very appreciative that there are people out there who take the time to organize these bags according to CDCR regulations and policy. It makes our job a lot easier.”
Central California Women’s Facility staff embrace holiday visiting
Decorations at the Central California Women’s Facility were well received by the visiting families during the Christmas season. On Saturday, Dec. 23, visiting staff and volunteers at offered activities such as cookie and gingerbread house decorating, coloring, letters to Santa, hot cocoa and lunch. Families even enjoyed a visit from Santa Claus and his Gingerbread Pal, as well as a visit from the Little Angels Service Dogs.
Visiting staff transforms Valley State Prison for holidays
Valley State Prison embraced the true spirit of the season as staff transformed the visiting area. Staff went above and beyond to create an atmosphere of warmth and joy for the visiting families for Christmas.
The visiting rooms were adorned with lights, tinsel, and holiday decorations. In a collaborative effort with the Inmate Family Council, visiting staff offered an array of activities for children such as face painting and cookie decorating.
“Our dedicated staff at Valley State Prison came together to make Christmas Day special for our visitors and, in turn, for themselves. The collaborative effort showcased the true spirit of unity and compassion within our team,” said Lt. A. Sawma.
Submitted by Lt. H. Gastelum
Mule Creek hosts Polar Express inspired visiting event
Mule Creek State Prison hosted a Polar Express Christmas event designed to bring joy and connection to incarcerated individuals and their families. The event, inspired by the beloved story “The Polar Express,” sought to display a message about the power of belief and the profound impact of kindness toward others.
Delightful scenes unfolded as visiting children arrived in their pajamas and were warmly greeted with specially prepared goodie bags containing an assortment of treats such as cookies, hot chocolate, a gleaming silver sleigh bell, and a gold ticket symbolizing a journey to the enchanting North Pole. The event aimed to foster a sense of warmth, wonder, and togetherness during a time that can be particularly challenging for those separated from their loved ones.
Submitted by Lt. Beau Campbell
Children of paroled parents receive special holiday event
The Irvine Parole Complex put together the first ever Angel Tree Christmas event for children of parolees doing well on parole. The event was a way to acknowledge those striving for success as they reunite with their families and reintegrate back into the community.
Ten paroled parents were selected by the Agent of Record to have their children listed on a wish-list tag. The tags, indicated what the children requested for Christmas, were hung on the Angel Tree. Parole staff selected a tag, purchased a gift, and returned the gift with the tag to the tree.
Most of the children came to the Irvine Parole Office to receive their gifts.
“Thank you for having us. You guys are a light shining like Christmas lights,” said paroled parent Carlos Rivera. “Thanks for everything.”
Parole Agents delivered gifts to the homes of those who could not make it into the office.
“It felt good to see the joy on the children’s face to be receiving gifts because of their parents doing well,” said Ashleigh Lewis, Parole Service Associate.
CSP-Los Angeles County makes holiday visiting special
The holiday season was in full swing at California State Prison, Los Angeles County, where the visiting department took charge of spreading festive vibes. The halls buzzed with excitement as they organized a Christmas celebration that transcended the usual routine. Holiday-themed coloring pages transformed the visiting rooms into a merry art studio. Families and their incarcerated loved ones huddled together, bringing life to the coloring pages. Visiting staff also purchased snacks and refreshments for the event. Santa Claus was on hand for family photos. This event represented heartfelt effort by the visiting department to infuse the spirit of joy and family connection into a place often devoid of such moments.
Submitted by Lt. Daniel Schumacher
LAC special event fosters community for population
Dec. 16-17 marked a truly special occasion within the walls of California State Prison, Los Angeles County (LAC). To help foster a sense of community among the incarcerated population, a special holiday event was organized by Community Resource Manager Ericka Lake. It began with the facility choir taking center stage, harmonizing holiday classics that resonated deep within the prison walls. Volunteers also dedicated their time and efforts to distribute steaming cups of hot chocolate and fresh-baked cookies.
For those incarcerated at LAC, this holiday event served as a reminder that they are not forgotten. In a moment where they might feel disconnected from loved ones on the outside, this gathering highlighted there is still compassion and kindness in the world.
Submitted by the Community Resource Manager’s Office and Lt. Daniel Schumacher
Wasco State Prison makes holiday memories for families
Children were all smiles as visiting staff at Wasco State Prison-Reception Center went the extra mile to ensure the incarcerated population and their families had a memorable experience. Visiting staff offered candy canes and popcorn to the visitors as well as numerous activities for children.
There was even a surprise visit from Santa Claus, courtesy of Visiting Officer O. Braudrick. The Visiting staff are committed to normalizing the experience in the visiting room for the incarcerated population and their families. This was another example of changing the dynamic between staff and the incarcerated population.
Submitted by Lt. Joshua Farley
Stories compiled by Don Chaddock, Inside CDCR editor
Office of Public and Employee Communications
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