CIW celebrates sobriety with resource fair

October 24, 2024

The Rise Up resource fair and sobriety celebration was inspirational, according to CIW attendees.

Community groups, parole and institution staff celebrated sobriety with a resource fair for incarcerated individuals at California Institution for Women (CIW).

The event was a collaborative effort involving the Division of Adult Parole Operations, Orange County community service providers, CIW self-help programs and religious groups.

In all, 168 incarcerated people attended the fair, dubbed Rise Up. The event offered support, resources, uplifting activities, acknowledgement and rewards for those working hard to maintain their sobriety.

“This event was powerful. It is amazing what compassion and collaboration can accomplish.”
Crystal Gomez, parole service associate, Division of Adult Parole Operations

Population encouraged to Rise Up for sobriety

The New Wine Church Worship team, Richard Andrew Sniffen, and CIW’s City of Refuge and Reformation provided praise and worship.

Pastor Al Garcia of Redeemed Ministries led the opening and closing invocations. Entertainment included stand-up comedian Gilbert Esquivel and music.

Megumi Nakazawa, founder of Faces of Mass Incarceration, displayed her paintings and met with many individuals who desired to share their story and have their portrait painted.

Those who attended were also provided a meal and snacks donated by the various organizations.

Volunteers at the CIW event. — Community partners at the resource fair.

Breaking old patterns, building new lives

“Having positive and supportive programs aiming to prevent recidivism through sobriety and fellowship can assist in boosting spirits, inspire growth and promote rehabilitation efforts,” according to organizers. “The majority of those incarcerated will be released at some point. As they return to society, it serves the community best to have organizations that support them and assist in breaking the pattern of recidivism.”

Crystal Gomez, a parole service associate, said the event is a reminder about the hard work people are putting into maintaining their sobriety.

Group photo of volunteers and organizers. — From left are comedian Ismael Esquivel, Yvette Estrada, Justin and Erica Castleberry, David Reynolds, Ana Aguilar, Christopher Mora, Kristina Mora, Leanne Wallin, Alfa Siordia, Cuca and Anthony Trejo, Megumi Nakazawa, Andrea and Andre Burbridge, and Crystal Gomez.

“When I worked at CIW, I saw the growth within many of the incarcerated individuals there. One thing that is important to them is constancy and genuine support,” she said. “I am humbled to be in a position with parole where I can connect the population to community organizations and individuals who are willing to support them in their journey. This event was powerful. It is amazing what compassion and collaboration can accomplish.”

A couple of incarcerated people remembered Gomez. Some thanked her for continuing to help even though she no longer works at CIW.

“It is statements like this which push me to continue to assist in organizing these events,” Gomez said.

Submitted by Lt. W. Newborg