In partnership with California Correctional Training and Rehabilitation Authority (CALCTRA) and CDCR, The Last Mile (TLM) hosted a showcase event at San Quentin Rehabilitation Center (SQRC) on Thursday, May 14.
The SQRC Showcase invited employers and community partners to experience the newly constructed state-of-the-art rehabilitation campus firsthand. Incarcerated individuals led tours and delivered live demonstrations highlighting the vocational skills they have developed through the job training programs.
From incarceration to innovation: The future of rehabilitation
“It takes alignment to create lasting change. By focusing on innovation, rehabilitation, and strong community partnerships, the San Quentin Rehabilitation Center is helping incarcerated individuals build successful futures beyond prison,” said CALCTRA acting Director Suzie Changus.
At the event, Chris Redlitz and Beverly Parenti, co-founders of The Last Mile, emphasized how education reduces crime as well as the financial burden on taxpayers.
“We have shown that you can dramatically reduce recidivism and increase employment if you give people opportunities,” said Redlitz.
TLM, CALCTRA, and CDCR highlighted programs in computer coding, business practices, digital literacy, and audio/video production.
San Quentin Rehabilitation Center Warden Chance Andes also shared remarks during the event.
“Well, we did it. For everyone who has been part of this journey, we are creating life-changing opportunities for incarcerated individuals,” said Warden Andes. “We are transforming the way they serve their time (while) preparing them for a better future.”
CALCTRA and TLM opened the first computer coding classroom at San Quentin in 2014.
“The San Quentin Rehabilitation Center’s opening marks a significant step in providing opportunities for students to gain digital fluency, marketable skills, and skilled trades training that result in gainful employment,” said The Last Mile Executive Director Kevin McCracken.
Incarcerated individuals and attendees also heard from Dave Dahl, co-founder of Dave’s Killer Bread. He shared his journey of perseverance, rehabilitation, and success.
Dahl spoke about the impact of participating in job training programs while incarcerated and how they shaped his future. The skills he gained while incarcerated gave him the foundation to successfully build his own business.
Attendees of the showcase toured the media learning center and participated in interactive classroom demonstrations.
“This is about more than coding or technology,” said CALCTRA Deputy Director over Workforce Development Debi Kamakani. “It is about restoring confidence, building opportunities and creating a path forward for people who are ready to change their lives.”
Showcase in photos
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