Week in Review: December 13, 2024

December 13, 2024

In this Week in Review for December 13: California Institution for Men donates to HOPE, Avenal hosts incarcerated art exhibit, and three questions with Tiffany Orff.

Staff Spotlight

3 Questions with Tiffany Orff, North Vocational Welding Instructor, Correctional Training Facility

Tiffany Orff, North Vocational Welding Instructor at Correctional Training Facility, is on a mission to break barriers and inspire the next generation of welders. With more than 15 years of experience in the welding industry, Orff has built a successful career while also dedicating herself to creating opportunities for women and youth in a traditionally male-dominated field. She strives to inspire young people and students to explore welding as a meaningful and rewarding career path.

When did you find your passion for welding?

I discovered my passion for welding 15 years ago when I co-owned a custom lowrider and welding fabrication shop in Riverside. The shop was the one place I felt at home, and the skills I learned while welding gave me a purpose and a sense of self-worth.

How important is it to provide a safe space for women in welding, and how have you dedicated your efforts?

I believe it is crucial for women to have safe spaces where they can see successful female leaders in welding roles, free from harassment. This belief inspired me to create Welding Women Syndicate, an online platform where I highlight and interview women in the welding industry.

Through Welding Women Syndicate, I have hosted welding classes for women and youth in the Salinas area, partnered with local businesses, and worked with schools to introduce opportunities in welding to diverse groups. Women are not the status quo in this industry, so I wanted to showcase myself as a successful and capable woman to demonstrate that success is possible.

What message do you share with the youth about welding?

My message to youth is clear: welding offers limitless career opportunities. From custom lowriders to robotic design, it all uses welding in some way. While welding can lead to financial success, I emphasize that it requires patience, dedication, and effort. The more you put into your craft, the more in demand you’ll become, leading to better opportunities and income.

Visit Inside CDCR to read more beyond the badge stories.

Associate Warden Groves retires after 35 years

Avenal State Prison Associate Warden Groves is looking forward to retirement and this photo shows him with a woman and water behind them.

After dedicating three and a half decades to his career, Associate Warden David Groves looks to retirement with mixed emotions.

While he will miss the close bonds and camaraderie found in an institutional setting, he eagerly anticipates leisurely cruises and cherished moments with loved ones in the comfort of his own home.

“As I look back on my 35-year journey with the CDCR, I am filled with pride and gratitude for the support of my family, friends, and co-workers,” he said. “When I began as an office assistant at California Institution for Women, I had a goal to become an associate warden before retirement. In 2014, that goal became a reality when I was sworn in at Avenal State Prison.”

Visit Inside CDCR to read the full story.

In the Community

California Institution for Men donates to Chino Valley HOPE program

CIM leaders standing with boxes of supplies

California Institution for Men staff recently donated essential travel-sized hygiene supplies to the Chino Valley Unified School District’s HOPE program for Health Services. The contribution, part of the institution’s ongoing partnership with the HOPE program and the City of Chino, aims to ensure basic needs are met for students and families in need.

The donation included shampoo, conditioner, lotion, toothbrushes, deodorant, body sprays, and feminine hygiene products. Hearts of Compassion Food Bank also participated in the donation drive, contributing additional supplies.

The HOPE Program works to connect families and students with community resources, regardless of income, age, or legal status. Through these efforts, California Institution for Men and its partners continue to foster community support and stability for local families.

Visit Chino Valley Unified School District website to learn more about HOPE.

Visit Heart of Compassion website to learn more about the organization.

Division of Adult Parole Operations

A Cut Above the Rest: Christopher Hunt’s Journey to Redemption

Christopher Hunt standing with arms open

Christopher Hunt, 33, recently graduated from the Male Community Reentry Program in Kern County with a newfound passion and purpose. Hunt’s path to recovery began after a turbulent upbringing marked by the loss of his father at age 11, his mother’s struggles with substance abuse, and his own legal troubles, including a three-year sentence for robbery.

While housed at North Kern State Prison, Hunt chose to break the cycle by participating in the reentry program. Initially skeptical about learning barbering, he soon discovered the craft as more than just a skill—it became a pathway to personal growth. In November 2023, he enrolled at Bakersfield Barber College.

Despite early struggles with mastering clippers, Hunt’s determination paid off. With guidance from his instructor, Ryan, he learned discipline and resilience. “I don’t want my past decisions to ever define me,” Hunt shared.

He is set to graduate from Bakersfield Barber College in January 2025.

Visit the CDCR website for more information on Male Community Reentry Program.

In Our Institutions

Avenal incarcerated artists showcase creativity

Avenal State Prison recently hosted an art exhibition highlighting the creativity of incarcerated individuals. The event featured artwork from artists in Facilities C and D as part of the California Model’s normalization pillar, promoting positive outlets through creative expression.

Participants displayed a variety of projects, including drawings, paintings on canvas and skateboards, beadwork necklaces, bracelets, and religious medallions. Some artists sold their pieces, with proceeds going to Grace Community Church in Coalinga. The event featured live music from the Facility C band, creating a welcoming and celebratory atmosphere.

Avenal staff and fellow artists were impressed by the talent and dedication on display, offering encouragement and a sense of accomplishment to the participating artists. The exhibition provided a meaningful opportunity for self-expression and connection through art.

Visit Inside CDCR to read more rehabilitation stories.

Rehabilitation

Cal State LA celebrates graduates at California State Prison, Los Angeles County

On Dec. 5, California State University, Los Angeles, conferred Bachelor of Arts degrees to 16 incarcerated students at the California State Prison, Los Angeles County, in Lancaster. The graduates earned Bachelor of Arts degrees in communication through the Prison Graduation Initiative.

“Prison Graduation Initiative prepares our graduates to return to their communities with highly valued degrees, applied skills, and the knowledge and insights to reenter their communities and serve as agents of change that they have become,” said Bidhan Chandra Roy, program manager for the initiative at Cal State LA.

Allen Burnett, a 2021 graduate of the program and a former incarcerated person, served as the keynote speaker. He earned a master’s degree in communication studies in 2023.

Casi Amezcua, another graduate, began his academic journey while incarcerated at the Lancaster prison and continued his studies after being paroled in April. He continued his studies at the Cal State LA campus.

“It seemed pointless to pursue a college degree when serving a life sentence,” Amezcua said. “However, I’m glad I changed my attitude. A higher education gave my life a purpose, a challenge, a chance to finally be a good role model for my children.”

Visit Cal State LA’s Prison Graduation Initiative website to learn more.

Female Community Reentry Program, Los Angeles, hosts wellness event

make-up artist working on seated individual

Female Community Reentry Program, Los Angeles hosted the Beauty is Only Skin-Deep wellness event, focused on healing, self-care, and empowerment.

Participants engaged in activities such as chair yoga, line dances, and listened to a spoken word monologue presentation. Motivational speaker Deborah Walters captivated attendees as she shared her journey of overcoming alcohol addiction. Makeup artists and a photographer added to the event. Participants enjoyed a catered lunch and giveaways.

Division of Adult Parole Operations and the Inner-City Child and Youth Foundation collaborated to make this event possible. This is the second wellness event of the year planned by Foundation Executive Director Jaqueline Venters and Parole Agent II Jenness Harris. Both believe wellness is a vital component to rehabilitation.

“The event was very inspirational. They created a familial environment, which demonstrated support, helped us heal from trauma, and it was fun,” said participant Yakema Ivy.

Visit Joy of Giving website to learn more about Inner-City Child and Youth Foundation.

Valley State Prison celebrates Occupational Mentor Certification Program graduates

Valley incarcerated graduates group photo

Valley State Prison recently celebrated the achievements of 26 graduates from the Occupational Mentor Certification Program. Designed for all incarcerated individuals, the program provides training to become Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) counselors. Graduates are assigned as co-facilitators in Cognitive Behavioral Intervention programs, providing peer-to-peer support to individuals participating in the programs.

After completing the program and required internship hours, mentors can earn milestone credit, educational merit credit, and Alcohol and Other Drug certification. These achievements come from a Department of Health Care Services-recognized certifying organization. This certification can help graduates secure employment upon release, aiding their transition back into the community.

Correctional Counselor III Arturo Buitron Jr. praised the program’s impact, noting that graduates found the training challenging and rewarding. “They are looking forward to using the skills they’ve gained to help others and reduce recidivism,” Buitron said.

Visit the CDCR website to learn more about Occupational Mentor Certification Program.

California Correctional Health Care Services

CDCR population surpasses 2024 National Influenza Vaccine acceptance rates

National Influenza Vaccination Week, observed Dec. 2-6, highlighted the importance of flu prevention. CDCR recently completed the initial offering of the 2024-25 flu vaccine to all incarcerated individuals, achieving vaccine rates exceeding national averages.

Acceptance rates for the 55-64 and 65+ age groups surpassed U.S. nationwide rates for the same age ranges. Additionally, vaccination rates among incarcerated individuals aged 65 and older significantly exceeded those of nursing home residents nationwide.

California Health Care Facility, Stockton maintained its top ranking for the sixth consecutive year, achieving the highest influenza vaccination acceptance rate among incarcerated patients in the state.

Please visit Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information on vaccines.

In the Media

Innovative prison program set to graduate more students with Cal State LA bachelor’s degrees

California State University, Los Angeles, will soon graduate a new class of students… from prison.

Thursday marks the third graduation for the innovative Prison Graduation Initiative, a program for incarcerated individuals.

Professor Dr. Bidhan Roy, Ph.D., founded the concept of giving new hope for transformation through education.

Visit FOX11 website to read the full story.

San Quentin program targeting root causes of gun addiction celebrates first graduation

The evolution of Arms Down, a self-help program at San Quentin Rehabilitation Center that addresses firearm addiction, celebrated its first graduating cohort in October.

The 26-week program has gained the attention and support of prosecutors, the state Department of Justice, community-based organizations, California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation officials, and lawmakers.

Visit Local News Matters Bay Area website to read the full story.

The doctor said he’d never walk again. He was wrong.

two incarcerated people posing for photo together

If a doctor said you’d never walk again, would you believe them?

Keith Paul Jones refused to.

A drug deal gone wrong changed Jones’ life in an instant. In the blink of an eye, he went from an active husband and father to lying in a hospital bed, unable to move his legs for nearly two years.

Visit KALW website to listen to the podcast.