Division of Adult Parole Operations, Rehabilitation

Undersecretary tours FCRP‑Sacramento

March 24, 2025

From left are Amante Abero, Parole Agent III; Lisa Hamer, Assistant to the Undersecretary, Operations; Nicole Brock, Program Director; Sydney Tanimoto, Deputy Director, DRP; Jorge Moreno, Associate Warden, DRP; Jason Johnson, acting Undersecretary, Operations; Dr. Heather Bowlds, Director, DAPO; Susan Gosal, Parole Agent II; Nicholas Swetland, Captain, DRP; Cory Alvarez, Chief Deputy Administrator, DAPO; and Mark Cruise, Assistant Chief Deputy Director, DAPO.

Jason Johnson, acting Undersecretary of Operations, saw first-hand the power of rehabilitation while touring the Female Community Reentry Program (FCRP) Sacramento.

Walking through the doors of FCRP-Sacramento, it’s clear this is not a typical correctional institution. Run by Saint John’s Program for Real Change, the FCRP offers a structured, supportive environment. While at the FCRP, incarcerated women learn skills to successfully reenter society.

“When we invest in programs like FCRP, we’re not just helping incarcerated individuals, we’re creating stronger families and safer communities.”
Jason Johnson, acting Undersecretary of Operations

Preparing women for reentry

During Undersecretary Johnson’s recent visit to the FCRP, he toured the facility, spoke with staff, and met with women working to transform their lives.

From educational classes, therapy, and life skills coaching, every part of the program is designed to break the cycle of recidivism.

Collaboration is key to FCRP-Sacramento’s success. Program staff work closely with the Division of Adult Parole Operations (DAPO) and the Division of Rehabilitative Programs (DRP). These partnerships help set participants up for successful reintegration back into society.

Program Director Nicole Brock emphasized rehabilitation goes beyond serving time. It requires support and resources to address underlying challenges many of these women face, from substance abuse recovery to rebuilding family relationships.

The women shared stories of resilience. One woman, a recovering alcoholic, described how FCRP helped her break free from her addiction and start rebuilding her life. Another woman who recently earned her GED through the program said she hadn’t celebrated Christmas since she was a small child. Last year was different. Thanks to the program, it was one of the best holidays she’s ever had.

Moments like this highlight the program’s ability to restore hope and dignity.

Story by Lisa Hamer, assistant to the Undersecretary of Operations (A) Jason D. Johnson