Central California Women’s Facility (CCWF) in Chowchilla celebrated five new certified Peer Literacy Mentor Program graduates.
“We’re celebrating five mentors, who just completed all the training and the modules and all the work and dedication it takes to become a certified mentor,” said CCWF Teacher M. Speir.
“I have learned so many different skills from them,” said Moy Ellis, a peer literacy mentor graduate. “They have words of encouragement. Their determination, it (added) fuel to my fire. It kept me going. Without them, I wouldn’t be here, honestly. I would have (given) up on myself. I wouldn’t have had the strength I needed to be where I’m at right now.”
CCWF Assistant Principal S. Medina said recognizing achievements of the incarcerated population is part of the rehabilitative process.
“It’s important to have these events to recognize these individuals for all of their hard work,” Medina said. “They’re a select few. There (are) only 20 certified mentors we have but they make a huge impact for all of our students, so it’s important to recognize them (and) celebrate their achievement.”
Watch the video (story continues below):
CCWF Peer Literacy Mentors make a difference
As a teacher, Speir said it’s rewarding to see the mentors get into their new roles.
“You watch them struggle with the material. You watch the effort, sweating to see if they pass their tests, refining their skills working with people, getting their first student to pass a subset test or get a GED, and when you see it come all together and the joy and the satisfaction on their face (it’s worth it),” said Speir. “Having programs that are rigorous and take time, but when you accomplish it, it changes you as a person.”
“Receiving my certification today was a complete blessing. It was something I worked really hard for.
It’s one of the biggest accomplishments I’ve had in my life,” said Cameron Raines. “I got to find something that I love doing. I love helping people, so I feel like this job was made for me.”
Ellis agreed.
“And their importance is just being educators, more than just peers,” said Ellis. “It’s so important for women like me. It gives us the strength and the fuel to not give up.”
Video by Chris Medina, Director (specialist), TV Communications Center
Story by Don Chaddock, Inside CDCR editor
Office of Public and Employee Communications
Photos by Robin Quinlan, TV Specialist, CCWF
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