The Substance Abuse Treatment Facility at Corcoran observed many milestones ranging from graduations to hosting the first A Day of Abilities.
Treatment Facility sees 184 graduate in fall 2023
In December, the last graduations were held for the year at the Substance Abuse Treatment Facility, marking milestones for many. There were 184 individual graduates earning a total of 224 awards for fall 2023. The graduations were conducted on all Facilities (A-G) from September through December.
Graduations included:
- 71 Career Technical Education (CTE) certifications
- 6 Peer Literacy Mentorship Program certifications
- 77 GED certificates
- 19 High school diplomas
- 50 Associate of Arts degrees
- 1 Bachelor of Arts degree
Senior Librarian Velva Hampson sang the National Anthem at all the graduations. The graduates were provided with graduation portraits, refreshments, and some extra visiting time to celebrate their accomplishment with their family members.
Acting Warden Bryan D. Phillips and Principal Mark Smith spoke to graduates and their family members attending the graduations. They reminded the graduates how this achievement is the start of preparing themselves for when they are released. They also reminded them the certificate, diploma, and degrees are something that will never be taken from them.
Facility B gives back to community
The Facility B population at the Treatment Facility wanted to do something generous for the community. They discussed a few ideas and decided to raise money while also accepting donations for the Kings Gospel Mission in Hanford. They collected $486 worth of unopened hygiene and cosmetic products, as well as $311 in funds from their trust accounts. The population participated in an egg toss competition and relay race while being entertained with live music from the band. The day was filled with laughter and smiles from everyone who participated, while doing something for the community.
A Day of Abilities event on Facility F
Facility F hosted its first ever A Day of Abilities on behalf of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) population.
A Day of Abilities consisted of events tailored to the ADA population. The event was held on two different days.
Activities and stations included:
- Basketball and soccer shoot-out
- Frisbee toss
- Ironman competition
- Board games
- Art-Hobby Craft display contest
- Corn hole tournament
- Ping pong tournament
The event began with a walk, or push for those who needed assistance, around the Facility. Once this was completed, Facility F ADA coordinator Raymond Chavez Jr. officially opened up the day of events.
Chavez arrived at SATF in 2017 and has always wanted to do something special for the ADA population. Being part of the ADA population, he gathered information and came up with a plan.
“I spoke with the other members of the of the Inmate Advisory Council and they loved the idea,” he said, noting Facility F is part of the California Model. “By doing these events, I would just like to leave this institution better than I arrived, and I believe we are on the right track.”
Chavez credited SATF leadership and their support to make the event happen.
He thanked Warden Phillips, Facility F Capt. Donald Stohl and staff.
“They are allowing us to make these changes which has improved relations on the Facility,” Chavez said.
Stories submitted by Lt. Brent Urban
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