Staff appreciation shown at CDCR institutions

With many employee-focused observances landing in early May, several CDCR institutions held staff appreciation events.

As more institutions submit information, this round-up will be updated. Send photos and written information to Don Chaddock and Emily Idleman (emails found in Global).

CSP-Corcoran hosts staff appreciation day

California State Prison, Corcoran, hosted a Health and Wellness Fair staff appreciation day May 7. The event was a way to thank staff for their hard work and dedication.

The event was sponsored by

• Correctional Peace Officers Association (CCPOA)
• California Correctional Supervisors Organization (CCSO)
• Service Employees International Union (SEIU)
• Employee Activity Committee (EAC)
• CSP-Corcoran Medical staff

First watch staff was provided with breakfast burritos as they entered the institution to start their shift.

For second and third watch staff, each facility was provided hamburgers, hotdogs, and a beverage. They were able to barbecue the grub for their coworkers.

Staff also enjoyed several vendors at the Health and Wellness Fair. This was a way to promote awareness of available services. They also learned ways to better care for themselves and their families.

Submitted by Lt. Justin McIntyre

SATF hosts staff appreciation events

The Substance Abuse Treatment Facility and State Prison at Corcoran (SATF) held their annual staff appreciation events which included food trucks throughout the week and daily staff gift card giveaways. There was also a staff barbecue hosted by the management team on May 7.

Managers and staff grilled over 1,700 hamburgers as well as providing chips, condiments, and drinks. Each area put their own spin on the burgers by adding additional sides, toppings, and treats.

Earlier in the day, first watch staff were provided breakfast burritos.

This was all possible due to the generous donations of SATF’s CCPOA, CCSO, Chicano Correctional Workers Association (CCWA), and the Employee Action Committee.

“The event was a big success and a huge hit,” said acting Warden Raul Morales. “Staff were very appreciative and I saw smiles and laughter all over the place from staff of all classifications.”

Throughout the day, Warden Morales toured each area of the prison.

“We can’t make this place run without each and every staff member who is here working every day,” he said. “We want them to know their hard work is appreciated.”

Submitted by Lt. Kyle Cade

Headquarters thanks staff for hard work

In celebration of National Public Service Recognition Week, CDCR/CCHCS Headquarters staff came together for an employee recognition event.

The event honored the hard work and dedication of our incredible staff with an afternoon of appreciation, fun, and connection. Team members enjoyed a digital photo booth, food trucks, outdoor games, and upbeat music.

Submitted by Amanda Spangler, communications analyst
California Correctional Health Care Services

CHCF celebrates officers, nurses, teachers’ weeks

The California Health Care Facility (CHCF) recently celebrated Correctional Officers, Nurses, and Teachers Weeks.

CHCF honored these observance weeks with a series of appreciation events designed to recognize the dedication and hard work of its staff.

Throughout the week, staff were invited to take a picture with their crew. This photo opportunity encouraged teams across various departments to come together and celebrate their camaraderie.

Daily giveaways added excitement while food trucks brought tasty treats to brighten the days.

The week culminated on Friday, May 9, when acting Associate Director Kathleen Ratliff, acting Warden Dao Vang, and the CHCF management team personally delivered pizzas and drinks to each shift. This offered a chance for management and staff to mingle, connect, and reflect on their collective contributions to the facility.

This weeklong celebration embodied CHCF’s spirit of “one team, one mission,” reinforcing the unity and collaboration driving the institution’s success.

The events would not have been possible without the generous support of the CHCF executive administration and donations from CCPOA, CCSO, CHCF’s Principal and Healthcare Management Team. Their contributions ensured correctional staff, nurses and teachers felt seen, valued, and appreciated.

Submitted by Lt. Michelle Orozco

CIW observes Correctional Officers, Nurses Week

To celebrate Correctional Officer and Nurse Week, May 5-9, California Institution for Women held a special event. Management staff, CCPOA and CCSO worked together to show their gratitude for all the hard work, day-in and day-out, those staff give. Staff received hamburgers with all the sides, hotdogs, chips, and something to drink.

Submitted by Lt. William Newborg

Valley State Prison thanks staff for hard work

Valley State Prison (VSP) held their second employee appreciation and staff wellness fair. VSP’s Employee Association and Shared Governance teamed up to plan the special carnival-themed event.

Clowns, photo booths and the smell of funnel cakes filled the air at the special staff event.

The event kicked off with the flag presentation by Valley State Prison / Central California Women’s Facility Honor Guard. The National Anthem was sung by Allison Wells, an office technician.

During the opening ceremonies, acting Warden O’Brian Bailey, expressed appreciation to staff.

He encouraged staff to pause, breathe, and take a moment to take part in the day planned for staff.

CEO Raul Recarey thanked staff for being the true heroes of the VSP team.

“It was great to see staff walking up and down the long aisles of vendors,” said organizers. “The vendors supported personal wellness by offering a quick upper back massage, fitness checkup, and information on retirement plans.”

Submitted by Lt. A. Salas

CSP-LAC hosts Delegation Celebration for all staff

CSP-Los Angeles County (LAC) hosted a “Delegation Celebration” May 6 for all staff on the health care and custody sides to show appreciation for LAC becoming the 28th delegated institution from the Receiver.

The Warden and CEO even came together to help serve nachos to their well-deserving staff. About 400 staff attended. They were served tacos, nachos, popcorn, drinks, cupcakes and over 130 prizes were given out in a random drawing. They even held a salsa competition. One staff member’s salsa earned the $50 gift card. Health care and custody staff worked together to host the event, making it a great success.

Submitted by Senior Psychologist Specialist S. Parhami

CSP-Sacramento hosts annual staff appreciation breakfast

CSP-Sacramento administration hosted its annual staff appreciation breakfast May 6. All staff working at the institution were invited to breakfast by Warden J. Schultz. Schultz and his admin staff worked tirelessly all morning to cook and serve breakfast to the staff. The warden said he prioritizes staff safety along with high staff morale. Division of Adult Institutions Director Gena Jones was also on hand for the event.

Submitted by Lt. C. McCarvel

CIW school thanks staff

In a vibrant celebration marked by a colorful fiesta theme, staff at California Institution for Women’s El Prado Adult School gathered for a special luncheon. The event honored their contributions to rehabilitative education and community development. The lunch not only featured a festive taco bar and quirky small sombreros, but it also served as a platform for reflecting on a year of impressive academic achievements and forward-looking initiatives.

The celebration was further marked by the presence of key correctional leaders. Warden Lavelle Parker and Chief Deputy Warden Sonia Padilla joined the festivities, sharing in the collective gratitude towards the staff. Both Warden Parker and Chief Deputy Warden Padilla took the opportunity to publicly commend the educators.

They highlighted the critical role of educational programming in the rehabilitative process, noting that the work not only equips students with academic credentials but also fosters life-changing opportunities that extend far beyond the classroom.

Submitted by Lt. W. Newborg

High Desert State Prison thanks staff

In recognition of correctional officers, nurses, teachers, and trades people week, High Desert State Prison (HDSP) celebrated their annual staff appreciation day. HDSP’s Administration team organized the event, serving food to approximately 1,000 employees throughout the Institution.

There was great fun to be had from all areas. Staff played games while various departments collaborated to build gift baskets, allowing staff to participate in opportunity drawings to win gifts.

Managers arrived at the institution early, making sure the first watch staff received a warm welcome, acknowledging their dedication to HDSP. Throughout the day, employees were recognized, appreciated, served lunch, and participated in a salsa-making contest.

Warden St. Andre and CEO T. Murray collaborated to hold HDSP’s first-ever promotion ceremony, acknowledging staff accomplishments and presenting them with a certificate of appreciation with while their family attended.

Submitted by Lt. J. Micone

Calipatria State Prison nurses thank officers

From May 4-10, Calipatria State Prison’s Nursing Shared Governance Team celebrated Correctional Officers Week in a personal way. Shared Governance asked nursing staff to nominate officers who have made an impression during their career. Posters were made with the quotes submitted honoring the officers. They were then displayed in the main Administration building hallway where leadership could read about their staff. To further celebrate Correctional Officers Week, Nursing Shared Governance organized a poster scavenger hunt exclusively for officers. Posters were hidden around the institution in staff areas. Officers turned in their found posters to a Shared Governance booth set up in the Administration building. The booth included a balloon garland displaying a correctional officer flag.  The prize for lucky winners was a self-care goodie bag. This event was the first of its kind and well-received by all staff.

Submitted by Lt. E. Uribe

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