Encouraging words help woman prepare for reentry

March 5, 2024

Kristine Collier earned her college degree, finishing it through the Female Community Reentry Program in Stockton.

(Editor’s note: A woman in the Female Community Reentry Program credits a sergeant’s encouraging words with helping her prepare for getting out.)

‘Treat every day like you are leaving tomorrow’

When Kristine Collier first stepped foot in prison eight years ago, she was terrified. Feeling unprepared, she recalls a sergeant approaching her, obviously recognizing her apprehension.

“You must be new here,” he said. Then he gave her some advice she’s applied to every day since then: “Start doing today what you know you want to be doing when you get out. Also, treat every day like you are leaving tomorrow.”

Since her first day at Central California Women’s Facility and through her time at California Institution for Women, Collier focused on rehabilitation programs and her eventual reentry.

As time passes, she said it’s easy to get complacent, but she goes back to the sergeant’s encouraging words.

While at California Institution for Women, she began exploring educational opportunities, enrolling in courses through Palo Verde College. Before she knew it, not only was parole right around the corner, but also her associate of arts degree.

When she was presented with the opportunity to take part in a Female Community Reentry Program, or FCRP, she chose Stockton. Her main goal was to continue her education through Feather River College.

After a lot of hard work and dedication, Collier received her associate of arts degree in sociology on Dec. 15, 2023.

Woman in reentry program offers advice to others

She has a piece of advice of her own for other incarcerated people. Because it’s difficult to find employment with a record and no degree, dream of something bigger and go for it.

“It gives you a jump ahead and shows what you want to achieve in life,” she said. “I couldn’t have accomplished this goal without all of the support from staff at California Institution for Women or the FCRP in Stockton.”

In the future, she said she would love to work collaboratively to develop and provide life scripting within the community. (Learn more about rehabilitative programs.)

While she used the life scripting program in the institution, she believes it’s valuable no matter where you are in life.

Story submitted by Breann Cantu, Correctional Counselor III, FCRP Stockton

Follow CDCR on YouTube, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter). Listen to the CDCR Unlocked podcast.