Watch: Survivors, incarcerated gather at CIM for healing

December 18, 2025

The CIM Victims and Survivors Educational event also offered wellness exercises for the incarcerated and others who attended.

In early December, incarcerated and survivors gathered at California Institution for Men (CIM) for the Victims and Survivors of Crime Educational event.

The survivors shared stories of how crime has impacted their lives, families, and communities.

“We see the worst intentionally. Fear gets built up over generations,” said Nora Jacob, with Restoration and Resilience Alliance. “People heal themselves by being around healing and this is an amazing example of it.”

Mothers whose sons were murdered spoke about the heartbreaking details that followed them as their lives were forever changed.

“We want (the incarcerated population) to understand there were choices made, but they can be forgiven. And they have to make better choices in the future and live their life with pure intentions,” said Alejandra Fuerte from Mothers with a Message.

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The event was organized by three incarcerated individuals: Joey Rodriguez, Lionel Jacobs, and Clifford Cheney.

“CDCR is about rehabilitation. That’s what the ‘R’ is about,” said Jacobs. “This event puts the emphasis on that ‘R.’ We need to make amends for anybody we’ve harmed in the past and for our crimes.”

Over 100 incarcerated individuals learned about the effects of crime as they listened intently to the speakers. They also participated in a question-and-answer session as well as some light wellness exercises.

“Open your mind and heart to the fact that even under the harsh realities of incarceration, people can still grow and begin turning their lives around,” said Edward Cervantes from Just Detention International. “Even in difficult circumstances.”