SATF Operation Hope highlights staff mental health

October 3, 2025

Warden Morales takes a throw at the dunk tank during Operation Hope at SATF in Corcoran.

The quiet hum of anticipation broke into laughter and applause as the Substance Abuse Treatment Facility and State Prison at Corcoran (SATF) kicked off the second Operation Hope.

Organized by the Action Through Hope Committee, the Sept. 17 event is dedicated to raising awareness about staff mental health and suicide prevention.

What began as a grassroots effort by staff determined to break the silence around mental health has quickly become a tradition.

This year, Operation Hope drew an even larger crowd, with correctional officers, health care workers, administrative staff, and volunteers gathering for the event. They shared food, teambuilding activities, and learned practical approaches for coping with difficult situations.

Serious but fun

A photo booth with four people. — *SATF Operation Hope photo booth with Associate Warden Peterson, Dr. Myers, Dr. Hill, and N. Pendergrass.*

Operation Hope brought plenty of fun to balance the serious meaning behind the event. Local food trucks lined the facility’s administration area. Meanwhile, the smoky aroma from a barbecue stand, hosted by one of the facility’s own correctional officers, drew a steady line throughout the afternoon.

Dunk tank at SATF Operation Hope with Hannah Smith.

Dunk tank with Captain Frazier in the water.

The highlight for many, though, was the dunk tank. Associate wardens, captains, senior nursing staff, and even the chief of mental health took their seats above the water. They drew cheers (and a few well-aimed throws) from colleagues eager to see their supervisors take a splash for a good cause.

The Kings County Animal Shelter also set up an adoption booth filled with wagging tails and hopeful eyes. Several happy puppies found new homes with SATF staff, and in a show of support, the county waived all adoption fees for the event. This year’s Operation Hope also featured demonstrations by the fire department, Crisis Response Team, and Investigative Services Unit.

Helping others in need

Nick, Nicole, Anallely Change Grab for a mental health organization. — *Nick, Nicole, and Anallely do a Change Grab for a nonprofit mental health organization.*

This year, the event also took on a philanthropic mission. Proceeds raised during Operation Hope will go directly to First HELP. The nonprofit organization is dedicated to supporting first responders and their families. They provide mental health resources while promoting suicide prevention nationwide.

“Our jobs are tough, and the mental load doesn’t clock out at the end of a shift,” said Office Technician Anallely Gomez, one of the organizers. “Operation Hope is about making sure none of us feels alone and knows help is always available.”

Dr. Hill, Suicide Prevention Response Focused Improvement Team coordinator for the facility, echoed the call for continued awareness.

“We have a responsibility to care for our people, not just as staff, but as human beings. Operation Hope is a reminder that mental health matters just as much as physical health,” Hill said. “we’re committed to making sure our team has the support they need.”

According to recent studies, correctional workers face disproportionately high rates of stress, depression, and suicide compared to other professions. The committee was formed last year in response to concern over these statistics. The goal is to foster a culture where mental health is prioritized alongside physical safety.

Breaking the stigma

Fire department at SATF for Operation Hope.

Dr. Andrew Myers, Chief of Mental Health, is dedicated to recognizing the impact and stigma often associated with suicide.

“I feel suicide is still seen by many as a taboo subject. People still believe that openly discussing suicide will lead to increased suicidal thoughts or actions by others. However, the true spirit of this event is to continue to raise awareness to discussing this important topic, for our patient population, as well as our fellow staff,” Myers said. “There is a human element that can sometimes be lost within the confines of this job. Action Through Hope is dedicated to partnership and making sure our CDCR and CCHCS colleagues feel supported by one another.”

Executive Assistant Nicole Pendergrass said the event was as much about education as it was connection.

“Working in the trenches everyday with these people forms a bond that is hard to explain to others outside a correctional setting. These people become more then colleagues, they are our friends, our family. When my life goes awry outside work, some of the first people I lean on are SATF (coworkers),” she said. “We are there for each other both on the clock and off, for celebrations and hard times.”

As the event closed, organizers encouraged staff to carry the spirit of Operation Hope throughout the year, promising continued advocacy, resources, and open conversation.

If you or someone you know is struggling, confidential support is available through the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.

Written by Mental Health staff
Submitted by Lt. Kyle Cade