In response to a staff feedback asking for more news and information, this newsletter is an effort to keep you informed on activities that forward the mission of DJJ: Helping those who have hurt others, and have themselves been hurt, heal and return safely to society.
New leadership team named
DJJ was saddened by the sudden announcement that director Chuck Supple had to step down for health reasons. While DJJ employees were notified in an all staff email, the official announcement was made by Governor Gavin Newsom in a news release thanking Chuck for his service and vision, and announcing a new leadership team to carry on the mission. Longtime DJJ veteran Dr. Heather Bowlds has been appointed as chief deputy director and acting director. Ross Meier, formerly the acting chief deputy warden at California State Prison, Sacramento, has been appointed deputy director for operations and programs. Please welcome them both as they have been visiting facilities and meeting with staff.
New leadership positions posted
As DJJ transitions to the Department of Youth and Community Restoration (YCR) as part of the California Health and Human Services Agency (CHHS), it’s anticipated our team will grow as we take on more training and administrative responsibilities. Currently, two Career Executive Assignment positions are posted. Both are deputy director positions; one to lead Administration and the other to head up Training. The posting closes October 11.
Under staff’s watchful eye, VYCF Youth plan, plate and serve a three course meal for a hundred guests. Photos by Tony Chavez
proper technique for plating a main dish.
Ten Ventura Youth Correctional Facility (VYCF) youth were servers to a capacity audience of invited guests which included Los Angeles Rams players, philanthropists and film and TV personalities. NFL 360, a program of the NFL Network has been following the youth as they prepare for a TV news magazine piece about Café Momentum, a program that trains at-risk and justice involved youth for careers in the culinary industry. Dallas based Café Momentum has partnered the Rams, and several of the youth had been volunteer servers at a charity luncheon sponsored by the Rams and the United Way in July. This time, they stepped up the game, helping to prepare, plate and serve gourmet tastes and a three course Italian style dinner to guests. Their faces lit up as they were handed checks for $166 each in payment for the night’s work. One VYCF youth from the summer event has already been hired by the Rams. Watch local coverage by CBS Los Angeles that aired Sept. 23. The NFL Network’s air date is expected in October.
You’ve got questions
We’ve been logging your questions asked at a series of town hall meetings and via our dedicated transition email address, djjtransition@cdcr.ca.gov Additionally, we’ve been building a transition extranet site for DJJ news and transition information and expect to go live shortly. The site will only be visible to CDCR employees logged into the network to view the dedicated content.
And the winner is….
