Retired Chief Deputy Warden Velda Dobson-Davis recently held training for 50 new Peer Mentor Facilitators at Central California Women’s Facility in Chowchilla. These mentors have the opportunity to provide extensive guidance and support to their peers.
Dobson-Davis on Women’s Facility Peer Mentor program
“All these individuals are long-term, positive role models in this community, and have demonstrated the power of change. By utilizing their new skills, they can help their (incarcerated) peers understand pathways to trauma. They will be expected to provide verbal encouragement and positive feedback to their mentees,” said Dobson-Davis.
Beyond Violence and Healing Trauma programs are offered to the Restricted Housing Unit, Reception Center, and General Population at the facility. The programs are a six-session trauma curriculum designed for individuals who have been abused or have experienced trauma associated with adverse childhood experiences.
Topics covered in these programs include:
- process of trauma
- power and abuse
- healthy relationships
- grounding
- and self-soothing techniques.
Story submitted by Courtney Waybright, Community Resource Manager
Central California Women’s Facility
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