CDCR visiting staff hosts Father’s Day 2024

June 18, 2024

Across California, CDCR visiting welcomed families to celebrate Father’s Day with their loved ones as part of strengthening family bonds.

Editor’s note: As more institutions submit their events, this story will be updated.

Mule Creek State Prison marks Father’s Day

An incarcerated man has his arm around a woman as they stand with a small child to pose for a family photo.

Two children hold Father's Day cards while visiting their incarcerated family member while posing for a photo.

The Mule Creek State Prison Father’s Day visiting event was well received by families and staff.

Visiting staff distributed colorable Father’s Day cards for the children to color and give to their incarcerated loved one. Visitors and incarcerated individuals were also given treat bags donated by the Inmate Family Council (IFC).

Mule Creek would like to thank the families, staff and the IFC for their support and making it a special day for all the fathers and children.

Submitted by Lt. Beau Campbell

California Men’s Colony hosts baseball-themed Father’s Day visiting

A family, one of them incarcerated, at a visiting event. — Strengthening family bonds is part of the rehabilitative process.

An incarcerated man, a woman and a young child during a CDCR Father's Day visiting event at California Men's Colony. — Strengthening family bonds is part of the rehabilitative process.

The California Men’s Colony, in collaboration with the Inmate Family Council, celebrated Father’s Day with a baseball themed event.

Families were able to wear their favorite team jersey while visiting their loved one. The event included lemonade, hot cocoa, crafts, games and baseball staples such as crackerjacks and sunflower seeds. Families were provided one Father’s Day bracelet to share with their father, uncles, husband, or grandfather.

The event was well received, encouraging togetherness during Father’s Day.

Submitted by Lt. T. Eilers

CHCF hosts first Donuts with Dads

CHCF visiting hosts first Donuts with Dads event. — Coffee and donuts were waiting for visiting families and their incarcerated loved ones.

Incarcerated man poses for a photo with a woman and another man. — Coffee and donuts were waiting for visiting families and their incarcerated loved ones.

For the first time, California Health Care Facility hosted Donuts with Dads, a special Father’s Day visiting event. Read the full story.

CCI visiting staff makes Father’s Day special

An incarcerated person hugs a visiting child in a prison visiting room. — Minions-themed backdrop was created by CCI Facility C artists.

California Correctional Institution incarcerated father with two visiting family members on Father's Day. — Minions-themed backdrop was created by CCI Facility C artists.

California Correctional Institution (CCI) at Tehachapi visiting staff made goodie bags for families for Father’s Day. Staff stuffed the bags with treats while also offering arts and crafts and including Father’s Day coloring pages. Facility C visiting also had music playing.

There were two photo backdrops, one being sports themed and provided by the Inmate Family Council. Incarcerated artists on Facility C painted a Minions-themed Father’s Day backdrop. Families were also able to dress in their favorite sports jersey.

Written by Visiting Sgt. Zazueta
Submitted by Lt. A. Hart

Sierra Conservation Center hosts Father’s Day visiting

A family visiting their incarcerated loved one. — Family photo opportunities.

A visiting family plays a tabletop game with their incarcerated loved one. — Family photo opportunities.

For Father’s Day, visiting families enjoyed games and photo opportunities at Sierra Conservation Center in Jamestown.

Submitted by Lt. Ruben Jauregui

Father’s Day at Pelican Bay

Father's Day cards colored by two people. — Coloring Father’s Day cards at Pelican Bay.

Father's Day visiting at Pelican Bay State Prison with a mom, baby, young child and an incarcerated man seated around a table. — Coloring Father’s Day cards at Pelican Bay.

Pelican Bay State Prison hosted Father’s Day visiting on Sunday, June 16. Families enjoyed their time playing games and coloring cards for their incarcerated loved ones.

Submitted by Lt. Serafin Leon

High Desert State Prison hosts Donuts with Dads

High Desert State Prison visiting with two kids, a man and woman, visiting an incarcerated man. — Donuts with Dad Father’s Day visiting at High Desert State Prison.

High Desert State Prison (HDSP) visiting staff collaborated with the Inmate Family Council to make Father’s Day memorable. Fresh baked donuts were delivered to each visiting area for families, children and their incarcerated fathers.

Families celebrated with games, coloring activities, arts and crafts, and most importantly, spending time together.

“I was not expecting this, it brought back good memories of me and my son,” said one of the incarcerated participants.

Submitted by Lt. J. Micone

California Institution for Women hosts Father’s Day visiting

An incarcerated woman plays corn hole at California Institution for Women on Father's Day.

Family visiting at California Institution for Women.

On Father’s Day at the California Institution of Women’s visiting department, the atmosphere was filled with warmth and camaraderie. The day was marked by a variety of activities designed to bring joy and a sense of connection to the incarcerated population and their guests. Here’s a summary of the events:

Cornhole tournament: Incarcerated individuals and visitors enjoyed a spirited cornhole tournament, showcasing their skills and sportsmanship in this popular lawn game.
Card making: Participants created cards for their fathers, expressing love and appreciation through their own personal touch.
Donuts and coffee: A delightful spread of donuts and coffee was served, providing a sweet treat and a moment of indulgence for all.

These activities not only celebrated Father’s Day but also strengthened bonds between those serving their sentences and their loved ones, creating cherished memories.

Submitted by Lt. W. Newborg

Valley State Prison gets into Father’s Day

Decorating cookies for Father's Day at Valley State Prison.

A family for Father's Day visiting at Valley State Prison.

Father’s Day at Valley State Prison was filled with joy and creativity, thanks to the generous efforts of Barbara Van Sickle, the Executive Director of Re-Evolution. She donated all the necessary goodies for decorating sugar cookies, bringing smiles to the faces of incarcerated men and their families. This heartfelt gesture showcased the talent and imagination of those who participated, transforming a simple activity into a cherished memory.

In addition to the cookie decorating, the Inmate Family Council played a vital role in making the day special. They set up a Father’s Day photo booth, complete with a photo frame craft and cards for families to decorate. This collaborative effort highlighted the strong community spirit within the prison, involving Visiting staff, the family council, Barbara Van Sickle, and the Community Resource Manager’s Office.

T. Costa, the Community Resource Manager, emphasized the importance of teamwork in making such events possible.

“When we come together with a common goal, we create moments of joy and connection that transcend the walls around us,” Costa said. “Teamwork is the cornerstone of our success, allowing us to bring smiles to the faces of those who need it most.”

Visiting programs play a crucial role in the lives of incarcerated individuals and their families. Positive interactions, such as those facilitated by this Father’s Day event, strengthen these bonds and provide a sense of normalcy and support.

The event at Valley State Prison was a testament to the power of community and the positive impact of supportive relationships. Through the collaborative efforts of all involved, Father’s Day was made a little sweeter, leaving lasting memories for the incarcerated men and their families.

Submitted by Lt. H. Gastelum