CCJBH tours Merced juvenile correctional complex

April 11, 2024

The Rise to Higher Grounds Cafe offers youth employable skills through Merced County's juvenile correctional facility.

On March 26, the Council on Criminal Justice and Behavioral Health (CCJBH) toured the Iris Garrett Juvenile Justice Correctional Complex in Merced County.

Those on the tour included:

Brenda Grealish, CCJBH Executive Officer
Emily Mantsch, CCJBH Associate Governmental Programs Analyst
and CCJBH Councilmember Dr. Danitza Pantoja

CCJBH became aware of Merced County’s model program in September 2023 after a presentation. Impressed by what they heard, CCJBH made arrangements to see the Merced facility in person and learn more about the programs.

The Merced County facility has adopted an integrated treatment model to reintegrate justice system-involved youth into their families and communities with the knowledge and skills necessary to live successful, crime-free lives.

During the tour, CCJBH learned about the programs offered at the Merced facility, notably the Rise to Higher Grounds Café. This mobile cafe offers youth employable skills training and leadership development. Youth who participate are enrolled in the county’s Regional Occupational Program’s Culinary Essentials program. Through this, they receive their food handler’s certification card prior to working at the mobile coffee cart. This prepares them for employment in their local labor market upon transition to the community.

Additionally, the youth operate a community garden, where they are given autonomy to select the produce grown each season and learn valuable lessons in agriculture.

Submitted by the Council on Criminal Justice and Behavioral Health