Division of Adult Parole Operations, Rehabilitation

South Coast parole empowers women

March 27, 2024

The Women's Empowerment Meeting gives supervised women a safe place to share their experiences in a supportive environment.

In the South Coast District, supervised women are finding strength and support through the monthly Women Empowerment meetings.

The gatherings are led by dedicated staff such as Parole Agent III K. Reed, Agent Y. Ulloa, and Parole Services Associate Lewis. The meetings provide a safe space for supervised women to share their challenges, offering mutual support as they navigate reentry.

During these meetings, supervised women share their experiences, allowing staff to understand their needs better. Utilizing this insight, staff collaborate with state-funded resources, non-profits, and external organizations to provide essential support and resources to the women.

In December 2023, the South Coast District partnered with the non-profit organization Poetic Justice to offer a transformative workshop series. The first part of the workshop, themed “A Year in Review,” incorporated meditation, discussions, and therapeutic art to reflect on the highs and lows of 2023. The second part, held in January 2024, focused on setting goals and channeling intentions into action, culminating in the creation of poetry pieces by the participants.

Agent Ulloa is a gender-responsive trained agent, served 10 years in the Army, and supervises the Santa Ana 1 unit female caseload.

“I enjoy empowering women through their reintegration to the community. Every monthly meeting is impactful,” said Agent Ulloa. “The Poetic Justice Workshop series really divulged in emotional healing and goal setting.”

Lewis, a parole services associate, said it is rewarding to see the changes in the supervised women.

“I cherish the opportunity to engage with (supervised women) in a supportive environment outside of the office. The meetings allow us to delve into their goals and aspirations. I am grateful for the support of my unit in bringing meaningful activities to each session,” Lewis said. “Witnessing the (supervised women) strive for a better future is the highlight of my job.”

Transformative gender-responsive program

For supervised person Melanie Perales, the Poetic Justice workshop was transformative.

“The workshop inspired me to view my past experiences in a more positive light,” she said. “Through poetry, I was able to release my past and find spiritual healing.”

The Director of Poetic Justice in California emphasizes the organization’s commitment to supporting incarcerated individuals and those on parole.

“Our trauma-informed gender-based classes aim to address the root causes of trauma, offering healing services to incarcerated individuals and (supervised persons) alike,” according to the organization. “We continue to evolve our reentry programs to better serve the needs of our participants beyond the prison walls.”

Through the collaborative efforts of dedicated staff, non-profit organizations, and the empowered supervised person, the South Coast District is paving the way for women to reclaim their lives and thrive beyond their pasts.

Story by Jamal Rowe, acting Deputy Director
Division of Adult Parole Operations