Our Promise kick‑off highlights charities

During the department’s Our Promise kick-off event in Elk Grove, staff learned various ways they can help charities.

The Nov. 6 kick-off for the 2024 Our Promise California State Giving at Work campaign featured food trucks, games, and door prizes.

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Headquarters staff from CDCR and California Correctional Health Care Services (CCHCS) mingled through the outdoor courtyard while speaking with charities.

This also marked CDCR’s first official day at the new headquarters location, working alongside CCHCS.

Combining CCHCS and CDCR headquarters

“This gathering is significant in many ways. Today, we’re not only supporting a worthy cause but marking a new chapter for CDCR and CCHCS,” said CDCR Secretary Jeff Macomber. “After decades in downtown Sacramento, moving our headquarters to Elk Grove and surrounding areas in Sacramento County, gives us new opportunities for collaboration and connection. This change aligns with our commitment to the California Model, (fostering a) supportive environment in our institutions, (while also) building the same spirit of connection here at headquarters.”

He also thanked the co-chairs of the Our Promise campaign: Lisa Hamer, for CDCR, and Elizabeth Shiva, for CCHCS.

CCHCS welcomes CDCR

“Today’s event isn’t just a campaign kickoff; it’s a reflection of the deep dedication each of you shows to the health, safety, and welfare of others, both in and out of work,” said Receiver J. Clark Kelso. “As we continue to welcome CDCR headquarters staff to our Elk Grove campus, we’re embracing an incredible opportunity to strengthen our teamwork and collaboration.”

Working at the same campus will allow for the agencies to be more efficient.

“Now under the same roof, we are positioned to work even more closely, building the same kind of integrated, supportive environment we see in our institutions,” Kelso said. “This move allows us to coordinate seamlessly, respond faster, and innovate together. Just as institution staff work side by side, we are bringing down barriers, enhancing communication, and deepening our shared commitment to our mission.”

Meet some of the charities at the Our Promise kick-off

Staff were able to meet charities who were on hand to answer questions and share their missions.

Firefighters Burn Institute

Ernie Rice, who retired after a 24-year state career, is a longtime volunteer with the Firefighters Burn Institute. Since his son is a burn survivor, the organization holds special meaning.

“We’ve been around for 50 years,” he explained as people came by to learn more about the burn institute. “We just finished our annual kids camp (for burn survivors).”

He said it helps kids adjust and cope with their changed appearances after being severely burned.

“They go to school looking one way, then when they return, they look different,” Rice said. “The camp helps them learn to deal with their new reality.”

The weeklong camp is for children who’ve suffered a serious burn injury, providing a place where they can share experiences in a safe and enriching environment. Learn more about the organization on their website.

Canine Companions

Canine Companions should be familiar to those who work for the department. The group works with CDCR institutions to train dogs to be service animals for those with disabilities. They ensure the incarcerated population receive proper training to become dog handlers.

“I’m currently co-raising a puppy at California Health Care Facility in Stockton,” said Heather Goodman, a volunteer puppy-raiser. “We provide professionally training service dogs to people with disabilities free of charge.”

The Canine Companions program is also currently in Mule Creek State Prison, CSP-Solano, and San Quentin. Learn more about Canine Companions on their website.

Runnin’ for Rhett

When a family’s son passed away at 7 years old, the mother turned to running to help her deal with her grief. Thus, Runnin’ for Rhett was founded three years after his death.

Randy Seevers, Rhett’s dad, is the organization’s retired founder. He still volunteers at events such as the Our Promise event in Elk Grove.

Seevers discussed their mission and vision. According to the organization, their mission is “to inspire people to move into life.” Meanwhile, their vision is geared toward “nurturing healthy communities through fitness and nutrition.”

“We run one of the largest youth fitness programs in Northern California,” he said.

Learn more about the Runnin’ for Rhett organization on their website.

Loaves & Fishes

With Thanksgiving rapidly approaching, staff member Kyla Xiong was actively seeking volunteers and donations to help the less fortunate.

Founded by a former nun and a former priest, Loaves & Fishes has grown over 40 years to serve roughly 1,000 adults and children each day. They are now one of the largest homeless service providers in Sacramento County.

“We started as the first house of hospitality for people in Sacramento County. This includes families visiting their loved ones incarcerated at the prisons in Folsom,” Xiong said.

The organization is completely donation driven, accepting no government funding.

Today, the group offers 16 programs on their four-and-a-half-acre campus.

The organization is seeking food donations such as frozen turkeys, marshmallows, gallon-size apple juice, large cans of cranberry sauce and dry stuffing mix. Food donations can be dropped off until Nov. 25, between 8 a.m. and 3:45 p.m. daily at 1351 North C Street, Sacramento.

Learn more about the organization on their website.

Employees can learn more about the Our Promise Charitable Campaign on Cal Employee Connect. Staff can also visit the Our Promise website.

Video by Richard Tan, TV specialist
Photos by Clarissa Resultan, CDCR staff photographer
Story Amanda Spengler, communications analyst, and Don Chaddock, Inside CDCR editor

Read previous Our Promise stories.

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