Sac360 is making rehabilitation strides

November 18, 2024

Recreational therapists are making rehabilitation strides through the Sac360 program.

C. Bellisario, a recreation therapist, said the growing program works closely with the California Model at California State Prison, Sacramento, in Folsom.

Learn more about the California Model on the CDCR website.

Program now includes group activities

Watch the video (story continues below):

Sac360 began in the housing units and has grown to provide therapeutic rehabilitation activities to larger groups.

“I think everyone deserves opportunities to rehabilitate (and) this is one way to do so.”
C. Bellisario, recreational therapist

“We’re just slowly growing our program and trying to make an impact on these individuals and keep them (discipline free) in a safe and welcoming environment,” Bellisario said.

Dwayne, an incarcerated person, said Sac360 brings the population and staff together.

“It brings us together and you do things you normally wouldn’t do in prison. Basically, we just treat each other like normal people. I’m not looking at him as a cop and he’s not looking at me as an inmate,” he explained. “We’re just people enjoying each other’s company. That’s a different feeling when you’re in prison.”

Correctional Sgt. E. Ramirez said staff are reporting positive outcomes and fewer negative incidents on Facility A.

“It has gotten better over time,” he said.

Officer R. Macdonald echoes his sentiments, saying progress is slowly happening.

“The biggest challenge I’ve seen so far is correctional staff is wanting to see an immediate change as a result of this program,” he said. “Immediate change isn’t going to happen overnight. It’s going to take some time (but) we have seen progress through the development of this program.”

Programs fostering rehabilitation while rewarding good behavior is one more tool to help reduce recidivism, improve overall morale, and make institutions safer.

“I think everyone deserves opportunities to rehabilitate (and) this is one way to do so,” Bellisario said. “Recreation therapy is a way to get people to learn social skills and learn to collaborate.”

Video by Chris Medina, director, television communications center
Story by Don Chaddock, Inside CDCR editor
Office of Public and Employee Communications