Crime victims’ support groups throughout the state received approximately $56,000 from incarcerated individuals participating in the California Prison Industry Authority (CALPIA) Joint and Free Venture programs.
“CALPIA’s programs not only provide incarcerated individuals with real-world job training, but they also offer a way to give back to crime victims,” said CALPIA’s General Manager Bill Davidson. “The Joint and Free Venture programs open doors to employment success and victim restitution.”
The Joint Venture Program operates at two adult CDCR institutions. The Free Venture Program formerly operated inside one Division of Juvenile Justice facility which is now closed.
Incarcerated individuals are paid wages comparable to what they would earn if they were working in the respective field outside of prison.
“Incarcerated individuals, along with our CALPIA and CDCR staff, look forward to these check presentations throughout the year,” said Rusty Bechtold, CALPIA’s Assistant General Manager over Workforce Development. “This is a collaborative effort, and it shows individuals in our programs are making a positive difference in their communities.”
Incarcerated individuals initially pay for all court-ordered compensation. Then, the remaining collected restitution is placed in a “Generic Restitution Fund” for local crime victim organizations.
Breaking down the donations
Here are the institutions where incarcerated individuals made donations:
- Central California Women’s Facility in Chowchilla: Joint Venture Program participants, Allwire, Inc., donated $43,535 to Mollie’s House. The non-profit organization helps victims of sex trafficking.
- High Desert State Prison in Susanville: Participants in the Joint Venture Program donated $948 to Lassen County’s Victim-Witness Assistance Program.
- N.A. Chaderjian Youth Correctional Facility in Stockton: Through Merit Partners, participants donated $11,529 to Women’s Center Youth and Family Services. (Facility closed in mid-2023.)
