Week in Review: November 8, 2024

November 8, 2024

In this Week in Review for November 8: Substance Abuse Treatment Facility hosts A Day of Abilities; Peace Officer Recruitment virtual career fairs; and South Coast parole hosts a workshop.

Staff Spotlight

3 Questions with Philip Bettencourt, Correctional Food Manager II, California Health Care Facility

Philip Bettencourt, correctional food manager II with CDCR, was recently named the 2024 Operator of the Year by the Association of Correctional Food Service Affiliates. The association supports and promotes the development of food service professionals working within correctional facilities.

When did your journey as a food service operator begin?

Growing up, I watched my mother cook. At 17, I began working as a short-order cook. After joining the United States Navy and serving as a mess management specialist on a submarine, I worked in various food service positions, including 20-years at McDonald’s. In 2006, I joined CDCR and began my work at the Central California Women’s Facility. In 2017, I was promoted to correctional food manager II at California Health Care Facility.

What actions and strategies did you implement to earn the association’s Operator of the Year award?

As a certified ServSafe instructor and proctor, I have prioritized providing food safety training to staff and incarcerated persons. This enhances the quality of the food we serve and equips incarcerated persons with certifications they can use upon release. I believe in sharing my knowledge with others and mentoring staff to help them grow professionally. By creating a culture of learning, we’ve been able to promote numerous staff members to higher positions, further strengthening our team.

Operator of the Year award recipient Philip Bettencourt

What does it mean to you to be recognized by the association?

After more than 50 years in the food service industry, and 18 years with CDCR, this award is one of the most gratifying moments of my career. It’s a reflection of my work and the incredible team I lead. It reinforces the importance of the work we do in correctional food services, where our efforts can have a direct impact on the rehabilitation and future success of the incarcerated individuals we work with. This recognition inspires me to keep pushing for even more improvements, whether it’s through innovative training programs or refining our operational strategies.

Visit the association’s website to learn more about the organization.

Visit Inside CDCR to read more Beyond the Badge stories.

In Our Institutions

Substance Abuse Treatment Facility hosts A Day of Abilities

CDCR’s Substance Abuse Treatment Facility held its second A Day of Abilities. The event celebrates the talents and abilities of incarcerated individuals recognized under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

A Day of Abilities featured live music and an opening ceremony, followed by staff joining ADA incarcerated persons for a walk around the facility yard in support of those with physical disabilities.

Several stations were set up, including a wheelchair wash, soccer shoot-out, corn hole toss, and board games. The highlight was the wheelchair basketball game, a 2-on-2 competition between ADA and non-ADA players. After two rounds, the ADA team emerged victorious.

The event aimed to foster inclusivity and raise awareness while promoting physical activity and camaraderie among participants.

Visit the CDCR website to learn more about ADA resources offered.

Upward Mobility

Oscar Galloway has been assigned as Chief Executive Officer at the Substance Abuse Treatment Facility.

Amber Lozano has been assigned as Associate Director, Office of Public Records.

Division of Adult Parole Operations

South Coast parole hosts workshop at California Institution for Women

Division of Adult Parole Operations South Coast district, in partnership with the Community Transition Program, recently hosted a parole workshop at California Institution for Women. The workshop supports the successful re-entry of incarcerated persons transitioning to parole.

Eighteen incarcerated persons, paroling within the next three months, participated in discussions covering parole conditions, re-entry plans, mental health support, incentives, and more. Topics included Medi-Cal, Day Reporting Centers, and the medication-assisted treatment program.

South Coast parole and the Community Transition Program will continue offering quarterly workshops at California Institution for Women. The parole division plans to expand the program statewide through future partnerships with the Division of Adult Institutions.

The initiative provides parolees with resources needed for successful reintegration into society.

Visit CDCR’s parole website to learn more about the services offered.

Parole attends Turning Point Belgravia’s Speaker Day

DAPO staff speaking at Turning Point Belgravia with mic

Staff from CDCR’s Division of Adult Parole Operations Fresno parole complex attended Turning Point Belgravia’s second bi-annual Speaker Day in Fresno. The Belgravia center is a transitional housing and reentry program in Fresno County offering housing, support services, and life skills training.

The event celebrated the success of former incarcerated participants in the Specialized Treatment for Optimized Programming and Long-Term Offender Reentry Recovery programs. Both programs work with CDCR in rehabilitating incarcerated individuals. The event motivates current participants in their rehabilitation journey through speakers, music, refreshments, and a festive atmosphere.

District Administrator Robert Provencio and Parole Agent Eusevio Valdez-Cordova were present to show support. Agent Valdez-Cordova served as a guest speaker, sharing personal insights to encourage participants to remain focused on their reentry goals. The event underscored CDCR’s commitment to supporting successful reintegration for individuals leaving the prison system.

Visit Turning Point Belgravia website to learn more about the services they provide.

CDCR Unlocked

Discussing normalization

In the latest CDCR Unlocked podcast, Annette Lambert and Ashton Harris discuss the normalization pillar of the California Model.

Lambert, deputy director of Quality Management within CDCR’s health care services, discusses the changes being made within our institutions.

Harris, information officer with the Office of Public and Employee Communications, hosted the latest episode.

Listen to the latest episode of the CDCR Unlocked podcast.

Observances

Secretary’s message for Veterans Day

CDCR veteran patch can be worn during November in honor of Veterans Day.

In honor of Veterans Day, observed Nov. 11, 2024, Secretary Jeff Macomber recognizes and celebrates the service and sacrifices of our nation’s veterans, including those who serve within our correctional system.

The text can be found below:

As Veterans Day approaches, I want to extend my deepest appreciation to our employees who served in the United States Military. Your service to our country and your dedication to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation community is invaluable.

Military service comes with challenges and sacrifices, and many veterans continue to face these even after their time in uniform. This month, we introduce a special “U.S. Veteran” patch to recognize your contributions. Wear this patch throughout November, alongside your medals, as a symbol of our gratitude for your service and the experiences you bring to our mission. Your service has made a significant impact on our nation, and your leadership is commendable. We are fortunate to have you as a part of CDCR and CCHCS.

I encourage everyone to thank a veteran for their service this month and to participate in our upcoming events to celebrate their contributions.

CDCR supports breast cancer awareness

breast cancer awareness collage of photos

CDCR participated in Breast Cancer Awareness Month by joining agencies statewide in raising awareness. Institutions across California found CDCR team members wearing pink throughout October to support those affected by breast cancer, promote early detection, and honor survivors.

The initiative highlighted the importance of cancer awareness, with staff members showing solidarity and encouraging education around early screening and detection. CDCR’s commitment to the cause extends beyond October, as the department continues to support cancer awareness year-round through various outreach and educational efforts.

This collective show of support demonstrates CDCR’s dedication to raising awareness and fostering a culture of care for those impacted by breast cancer.

Visit National Breast Cancer Foundation website to learn more on how you can help.

Visit Inside CDCR to read about statewide breast cancer awareness events.

Stress Awareness Day

National Stress Awareness Day is celebrated every first Wednesday in November (Nov. 6 this year) to increase public awareness and help people recognize, manage, and reduce stress in their personal and professional lives.

I want to take a moment to emphasize the importance of mental health and well-being for all of us. Our work within the department can be demanding, and it’s easy for stress to build up. This effects our personal lives and the work we do. It’s more important than ever to take care of ourselves and support each other through these challenges.

Please remember that we have a variety of resources available through the Office of Employee Wellness app and Employee Assistance Program offering stress management tools and programs. It’s OK to ask for help, and we’re all here to support each other.

Take a deep breath and embrace peace. Let’s foster a culture of open communication and understanding, so we can all effectively manage stress and continue doing the great work keeping our community safe.

Submission by GARE Ambassador John Costello

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

Recruitment

CDCR Peace Officer Recruitment hosts virtual career fairs

Peace Officer Recruitment is hosting a series of virtual career fairs held each month. Throughout October, the career fairs attracted 202 attendees, with participants rating the experience 4.8 out of 5 stars.

Survey respondents were overwhelmingly positive, with 96 percent indicating they will apply or have already done so. One attendee praised the event, saying, “This was the best virtual fair I’ve attended. Questions were always answered, and we received the most information.”

CDCR’s virtual career fairs are held twice each month on Wednesdays, offering potential applicants’ insights into the correctional officer role, followed by one-on-one sessions with recruiters. These events provide a valuable opportunity for those interested in joining the CDCR team to learn more and ask questions about the job. The remaining virtual career fairs for 2024 will be held November 20, December 4, and December 18.

Visit the CDCR website to learn more about the next virtual career fair.

Rehabilitation

Miguel Disarufino graduates Peer Supporters Academy

Former California Institution for Men incarcerated person Miguel Disarufino has made significant strides in his career path, graduating from the California Association of Peer Supporters Academy. This statewide program offers intensive Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist training, preparing individuals for certification in mental health services.

Disarufino, who was set for parole in June 2024, did not let that stop him from pursuing his passion for the behavioral health field. He participated in the academy’s four-week virtual cohort, completing four hours a day, four days per week.

His engagement and dedication earned him the honor of being selected as the student speaker for his Oct. 2 graduation. Disarufino now holds a certificate of completion and is eligible to take the State Certification Exam, marking a key milestone in his transformation.

Visit California Association of Peer Supporters Academy to learn more about the program.

Office of Victim & Survivor Rights & Services

Victim services office participates in resource fair

victim services staff at booth speaking with incarcerated

Staff from the Office of Victim and Survivor Rights and Services attended Valley State Prison’s incarcerated population resource fair to assist in developing reentry plans. The event helps incarcerated people reintegrate into their community’s post-release.

Ana Mejia from victim services answered questions about the accountability letter bank and the victim offender dialogue processes. Meanwhile, Elwina Rivera and Estee Coloma from restitution services provided guidance on restitution fines, direct orders, and post-incarceration restitution collection.

Attendees were offered brochures on victim services, offender restitution, accountability letter bank, and victim offender dialogue to further support their understanding of available services. The fair emphasized victim services’ commitment to assisting the incarcerated population with resources supporting victim accountability and successful reintegration.

Visit CDCR’s victim service website to learn more about their office.

In the Media

Centinela, Calipatria State Prisons celebrate Halloween

three incarcerated standing with two staff

Centinela State Prison’s visiting staff hosted a Halloween event for the incarcerated population and their loved ones. Family members were offered the opportunity to engage in arts and crafts activities by painting pumpkins.

Children were able to dress up like their favorite superheroes. Each facility had a judging panel consisting of the visiting supervisors, an incarcerated individual, and a family member.

There were plenty of laughs, smiles, and a sense of community.

Visit Imperial Valley Press website to read the full story.

Operation Boo: Parole agents make sure sex offenders comply this Halloween

Parole agents went house to house Thursday night, but not for treats.

They were looking for certain sex offender parolees who violated the protocols they were supposed to follow on Halloween night.

Action News did a ride along with the team in 2019 as they checked to make sure parolees were in their homes from 5 p.m. to 5 a.m., didn’t answer the door to anyone but law enforcement, and didn’t have Halloween decorations or exterior lights on.

Visit ABC30 website to read the article and watch the full video.

Warriors, non-profit partners teach basketball and life skills to incarcerated men

The Golden State Warriors have partnered with the Twinning Project, the Positive Coaching Alliance and CDCR to bring basketball clinics and life skills to men incarcerated at California State Prison Solano.

Visit Fox KTVU website to watch the video.