Thanks to CTF, students in need receive help

December 10, 2024

Thanks to the incarcerated population at Correctional Training Facility (CTF) at Soledad, high school students in need received help in the form of hygiene supplies.

The month-long hygiene supply drive benefited students in need at Rancho Cielo High School in Salinas. The drive was organized by the incarcerated population from Facility C Phoenix Alliance (general population) and the Veterans Transition Center from Facility A and B (non-designated programming facilities).

“This act of selflessness demonstrates the commitment of the incarcerated population to give back. Future plans include working with Rancho Cielo with peer guidance to manage challenging situations resourcefully for a better future. They hope to offer a program similar to what they are already doing for Palm High School,” according to organizers.

Items donated included deodorant, shampoo, bar soap, lotion, and toothbrushes.

The population gathered 239 items with the value of $2,056.

The drive was a collaboration with Rancho Cielo staff establishing a walk-in hygiene pantry for the students. This pantry will be open to all students who can access it at any time during the day.

Rancho Cielo offers vocational training and high school education in partnership with John Muir Charter Schools. These students can earn a WASC-accredited high school diploma (or equivalent), leave prepared to enter the workforce, and/or enroll in post-secondary education.

Students often come from hardship

Students at Rancho Cielo are no strangers to adversity. Many faced incredible hardship, from incarceration and homelessness to hunger and poverty, before finding a community at Rancho Cielo.

“They come to us for a fresh start, a new path where they can learn in a safe and affirming environment. Since Rancho Cielo was established in 2000, we have aimed to enrich the lives of all the youth who walk through our gates, helping them become contributing members of society and an inclusive economy,” according to the school.

Story by Lt. Luis Mares
Submitted by Lt. Will Landrum

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