Week in Review: April 12, 2024

In this Week in Review for April 12, 2024, Crest Sacramento screens “The 50” film, CDCR observes Autism Acceptance Month, and Pelican Bay State Prison sell Guitars of Hope.

In the Community

Skateboards, prison artists give youth options

Thanks to the efforts of incarcerated artists and Fresno Skateboard Salvage, over 50 skateboards were distributed to youth in Fresno County.

The organization’s founder, Rodney Rodriguez, distributed the boards and safety equipment to the Pinedale Boys and Girls Club in Fresno. The skateboards are part of a larger project between CDCR and Fresno Skateboard Salvage.

Visit Inside CDCR to read the full article.

What’s New?

Crest Sacramento screens “The 50” Film

50 lifers seize a groundbreaking opportunity to become among the nation’s first incarcerated Substance Abuse Counselors. ‘The 50’ chronicles how the first participants of the Offender Mentor Program not only navigate their own deep-seated traumas but harness those experiences to emerge as society’s most adept healers. An intimate study on redemption.

Visit Eventbrite’s website to purchase tickets.

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Rehabilitation

Valley State Prison hosts Anti-Recidivism Coalition graduation

Anti-Recidivism Coalition (ARC) in conjunction with the Community Resource Office, orchestrated a graduation event at Valley State Prison.

Employees from different classifications all worked alongside the incarcerated population to ensure the graduations success. Pre-approved visitors attended, alongside the 130 ARC graduates. Each graduate had the privilege of inviting up to two pre-approved guests, fostering a supportive environment conducive to healing and growth.

Incarcerated individuals, equipped with newfound knowledge and skills from ARC’s comprehensive curriculum, eagerly awaited the arrival of their loved ones. Activities following the graduation featured music and speeches.

“The journey of rehabilitation and reintegration is not an easy task. It requires courage to confront the mistakes of the past, humility to seek guidance and support, and determination to stay the course, even when the path seems difficult,” said Warden (A) Morales.

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Observances

National Day of Silence

Day of Silence is a student-driven day of silent activism that began in 1996 at the University of Virginia. Recognized annually in the U.S., Day of Silence is typically observed on the second Friday of April but can vary.

Observers take a day-long vow of silence to represent the systemic silencing of LGBTQIA+ students caused by discrimination, harassment, and bullying. The day concludes with a Breaking the Silence event where students, educators, and community members tell their stories and highlight ways their schools and communities can become more inclusive.

We are proud to celebrate this day alongside our LGBTQIA+ employees and community.

Submission by GARE Ambassador Malisa Teeter

Child Abuse Prevention Month

April marks National Child Abuse Prevention (CAP) Month, an initiative led by Prevent Child Abuse America and its national network of state chapters. This year, the theme is “Building A Hopeful Future, Together,” focusing on creating a nurturing and supportive environment for children and families across the nation.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that one in seven children experienced child abuse and neglect in the past year.  Many children do not survive the abuse that they experience; and for those that do, the damage done can reach far into adult lives.

A series of webinars for Child Abuse Prevention Month is available from the CA Dept. of Social Services website:  https://www.cdss.ca.gov/inforesources/ocap/cap-month

The California Parent & Youth Helpline is available at 1-855-427-2736. 

Child abuse and neglect are preventable, and all communities benefit when children and families are well supported! Let’s build a hopeful future together.

Submission by GARE Ambassador Lori Reimers

Autism Acceptance Month

April is Autism Acceptance Month. This month raises awareness about autism acceptance and promotes inclusion and connectedness for people with autism.

Receiving an early diagnosis can be life-changing for people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).  Lack of understanding, stigmatization, and discrimination associated with ASD and neurodivergence create barriers to diagnosis and inclusion for many children and adults.

Accurately diagnosing ASD at a young age opens up access to early interventions and better treatments. Addressing this publicly creates awareness, deeper understanding of autism, acceptance, and may improve the quality of life for people with autism and their families.

This month is also an opportunity to celebrate people with autism and create an inclusive environment where everyone can feel themselves as an essential part of the community.

Submission by GARE Ambassadors Kaylin Jones and Joyce Diala

To encourage employees to expand their knowledge and gain new experiences, CDCR/CCHCS GARE Ambassadors are sharing celebrations and observances throughout the year.  To learn more about the diversity, equity and inclusion efforts visit the GARE website.

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In Our Institutions

Pelican Bay State Prison Guitars of Hope

Pelican Bay State Prison (PBSP) auctioned off six hand painted guitars to support Court Appointed Special Advocate of Del Norte. Ten artists from PBSP’s mural art team designed and created the guitars. The guitar’s themes vary from local landmarks and military.

Guitars of Hope was established in 2022 as a fund-raising partnership between Bicoastal Media Radio and Pelican Bay State Prison both located in Crescent City.

California Correctional Institution Place-4-Grace, Camp Grace

California Correctional Institution (CCI) hosted its Camp Grace, facilitated by Place-4-Grace. Eight children were treated to a week of fun, games, and bonding with their incarcerated fathers. Camp Grace allows for the children of incarcerated fathers to connect and foster a positive relationship through dances, singing, painting, art, and games.

Camp Grace was supported by the Community of Tehachapi who generously donated meals for the campers throughout the week. Multiple small and large businesses donated making the camp a success. On the final day, CCI staff cooked burgers and hotdogs, and shared a meal with the campers.

“It is always a good thing to ensure family bonds are protected and that children spend time with their fathers. It was another great Camp and I look forward to continued support of this program,” said CCI Warden Cates.

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In the Media

RENOWNED COLLECTOR ERIC STURGESS UNVEILS ‘PRISON PAÑOS: INK ON CLOTH’ BOOK SHOWCASING CALIFORNIA INMATE ARTISTRY

Renowned collector of prison art and artifacts, Eric Sturgess, owner of the largest private collection of prison paños in the world, proudly unveils his latest book, “Prison Paños: Ink On Cloth.” This captivating publication unveils the top 50 masterpieces from Sturgess’ extensive private collection, offering a rare insight into the world of California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation prisons.

Visit AB Newswire website to read the full article.

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Rescued from euthanasia, these dogs get trained by prison inmates in Tehachapi

Dogs in prison are not a common sight, but for these inmates, it’s a small step to feeling normal again.

“When I got here, I’d been in prison for 30 years, I hadn’t touched a dog, I hadn’t heard a dog bark,” Oscar Cristales. “It kind of made me feel like I was on the streets.”

Dogs who were set to be euthanized are rescued by Marley’s Mutts, then paired with inmates who train them at California Correctional Institution in Tehachapi.

Visit KGET’s website to read the full article.

Inmates graduate with job certifications at Soledad prison facilities

More than a dozen participants in a state-wide job training program offered by the California Prison Industry Authority (CALPIA) graduated in May with their certifications from Salinas Valley State Prison and Correctional Training Facility in Soledad.

This was an emotional day for the graduates as some saw family members for the first time since before the Covid-19 pandemic began.

Visit Salinas Valley Tribune’s website to read the full article.

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Folsom State inmates make difference with braille transcriptions

Folsom State Prison has dozens of rehabilitation programs to help inmates find purpose after they are released, but one is doing something very few are in the country. The inmates transcribe books from English to Braille for kids in California.

The California Prison Industry Authority (CALPIA) partnered with the Folsom Lions Club to start the program in 1989. Inmates spend four days a week transcribing books.

Visit KCRA’s website to read the full article.

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They started running in San Quentin. Now, they’re taking on marathons

In San Quentin State Prison and decades through a lengthy sentence, Rahsaan Thomas wasn’t at the peak of his physical fitness, nor was he expecting that to change much.

Sentenced to 55 to life in 2003 after fatally shooting one person and injuring another during a drug deal, Thomas joined the prison’s long distance running 1000 Mile Club initially as a “coping mechanism” that helped him to process his long and seemingly endless jail term.

Visit CNN’s website to read the full article.

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Top Inside CDCR Stories

CDCR launches Condemned Inmate Transfer Program

March CDCR visiting highlights shamrocks, bunnies

Week in Review: April 5, 2024

To honor new warden, woodworker crafts rocking chair

California Model taking shape at SATF

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