I recently visited inmates at Corcoran State Prison's Substance Abuse Treatment Facility. Earlier this year, the inmates raised $1,533.54 for CASA. When Community Resource Management Technician Melissa Evans reached out to me in March 2024 to inform me of this generous donation, I asked if it would be possible for me to meet the inmates and staff in person to express our gratitude and appreciation for their support. Although the process was lengthy and required extensive paperwork, I was eventually approved, thanks to Warden Raul Morales.
Â
I understood that raising $1,533.54 took considerable effort from the inmates. During my visit, I learned that the corrections staff help them find ways to give back to the community as part of their rehabilitation. In this case, when inmates reach good behavior milestones, they can purchase food from outside vendors. However, they must contribute 13% of their spending to a fund that will ultimately support a charity of their choice. Corrections staff member Jenette Bragg, who was involved with a CASA program and trusts its work, suggested our CASA program. At least one inmate I met had a connection to CASA. His brother entered the foster care system and, fortunately, was eventually assigned a CASA. He is now a thriving adult with a promising career.
Â
In addition to the monetary donation, the inmates also contributed hygiene supplies purchased from the prison's general store, and the corrections staff participated by buying and donating school supplies. It was a rewarding experience to meet both the inmates, diligently working on their rehabilitation, and the corrections staff, who are equally committed to teaching, mentoring, and rehabilitating them. Approximately one-third of the inmates had experienced the foster care system, and many reported having childhood experiences of abuse and neglect. I often thought of them as the children we serve through CASA and reflected on how their lives might have been different if they had a CASA. #ChangeAChild'sStory
Â
Alberto Ramos
Comments