The Correctional Training Facility (CTF) at Soledad donated nearly $11,000 to help families in need, thanks to a food sale. Organized by incarcerated individuals in the Alternatives to Violence Program, proceeds from the food sale will help families over the holiday season and beyond. Prison officials and the incarcerated organizers presented the donation Aug. 22 to the Soledad Law Enforcement Officers Foundation.
The non-profit foundation is dedicated to helping underprivileged families in the south county area.
Some of the events put on by the foundation include the Angel Tree and Cops Giving Tree.
The Cops Giving Tree is an annual event held by the City of Soledad in collaboration with CTF and Salinas Valley State Prison to provide dinner and gifts to families in need.
Helping the community fosters rehabilitation
The Alternatives to Violence Program focuses on reducing recidivism through workshops promoting self-awareness, empathy, and nonviolent conflict resolution. By participating in these types of fundraisers, these individuals have the opportunity to make a positive impact on the community. In turn, these acts also support their own rehabilitation journey.
Soledad Chief of Police Damon Wasson expressed his appreciation during the check presentation.
“My thanks to the men in the Alternatives to Violence Program and the staff at CTF for making sure the community of Soledad will once again have a successful Cops Giving Tree and a merry Christmas. Special thanks to Dan (Santa) Ferguson, Darius Galloway, Warden Borla, and the rest of the staff working in front of and behind the scenes to make this happen,” Wasson said.
CTF acting Warden Edward J. Borla noted the importance of such initiatives.
“Events like these are essential not just for the funds they raise but for the opportunity they provide our incarcerated population to actively partake in meaningful community service,” he said. “It’s about rehabilitation through responsibility and generosity.”
Learn more about the Alternatives to Violence Program on their website.
Submitted by Lt. Wil Landrum
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