11/19/2009 12:12:00 PM Chuckawalla graduates inmates from pilot program
Photo Special to the Times
First graduates from Chuckawalla Valley State Prison's Addictions Counseling and Treatment in Institutions for Overcoming Narcotics (ACTION) pilot program.
Special to the Times
BLYTHE - Chuckawalla Valley State Prison (CVSP) is proud to announce their first graduates of a new and innovative pilot program, Addictions Counseling and Treatment in Institutions for Overcoming Narcotics (ACTION).
"ACTION" was designed and coordinated by inmate Alcohol and Drug Studies (ADS) Specialist II Interns.
All student interns have earned or are near completion of earning their ADS Specialist II Intern status through Palo Verde College's Alcohol and Drugs Studies Program, accredited by the California Association of Alcohol and Drug Educators, (CAADE).
ACTION was developed by eight inmate students at CVSP as a result of completing the last of 36 college credits in the college's Alcohol and Drug Studies Program, ADS 150 Internship/Practicum coursework.
This course of study is ultimately supervised by Instructor Barbara J. Lawrence, Masters Social Worker and Certified Addiction Treatment Counselor, along with many supportive CVSP staff including Pat McCarthy, Palo Verde College Proctor; Dennis Morin, Correctional Counselor III, Program Sponsor/Advocate; Gale McKinney, Parole Agent II, Program Sponsor/Advocate.
Approved and supported by CVSP's Warden, J. F. Salazar, ACTION is one of only two programs in the State of California created as a result of inmate college education in alcohol and drug studies.
The program is not based on a clinical treatment modality by academics and, in essence, missions.
The programincludes study of: "Healing Addiction Via Academics," teaching inmates about disease concept of addiction; social patterns; behavioral change; alternatives to substance use; identification of triggers; defense mechanisms; education on infectious diseases associated with substance use; and relapse prevention.
On October 13, 2009, 12 inmates graduated from the educationally based self-help workshop ACTION.
This is a voluntary program where inmates are screened for appropriateness before being assigned.
Currently CVSP has a waiting list of over 100 inmates who wish to participate in this 9-week program. The next workshop is scheduled for mid-November.
"I have supervised the Internship/Practicum ADS 150-course since 2007 to inmates at both Chuckawalla Valley State Prison and Ironwood State Prison," stated Lawrence.
"I am committed to 'Healing Addiction via Academics.' I believe that by providing education in addiction to the inmate population, growth and change occurs."
According to Lawrence, courses like ACTION encourage college enrollment and decrease the use of alcohol/drugs.
"I see it every time I supervise the programs; inmates gain insight, realize they can learn, make decisions to change, and follow their dreams of improving their lives via education. This is a wonderful example of, 'Pay it Forward - Win/Win' plan," said Lawrence.
CVSP has developed surveys to measure the effectiveness of the program and provide evidenced-based data in order to continue improving ACTION.
The goal is to increase educational opportunities to inmates in Alcohol and Drug Studies and ultimately reduce recidivism.
Through education-based self-help workshops like "ACTION," implemented and facilitated by inmates, incarcerated men and women will have a much better chance of survival.
Increased education equals powerful life changes - paving a path away from alcohol and other drugs and toward higher education.
"In today's economy, programs like ACTION. are needed to help continue the reduction of recidivism and continue drug and alcohol treatment with in the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation," said Warden John Salazar.
Reader Comments
Posted: Thursday, November 26, 2009
Article comment by:
JACQUELINE GUEVARA
TO THE ONE THAT PROVIDES NO NAME...WHAT WOULD YOU KNOW??? YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT IT'S LIKE TO WAKE UP EVERY MORNING IN A CONFIND SPACE...TO KNOW THE ONLY PLACES YOU'RE ALLOWED TO GO ARE BETWEEN BARB WIRED FENCES. IF YOU REALLY KNEW THE TRUTH YOU WOULDN'T BE TALKING SO MUCH TRASH. ALL THE PEOPLE ENROLLED IN THESE KINDS OF PROGRAMS ARE TRYING TO BETTER THEMSELVES REGARDLESS OF WHERE THEY ARE AT...THEY DESERVE THE RIGHT TO GET EDUCATED NO MATTER WHAT THE CIRCUMSTANCES ARE. YES THEY MADE MISTAKES!!! WHICH IS WHY THEY ARE IN PRISON!!!THAT DOESN'T MEAN THEY ARE ANY LESS IMPORTANT TO THEIR FAMILIES, FRIENDS,WIVES(WHICH I'M PROUD TO BE), BROTHERS, SISTERS, SONS, & DAUGHTERS!!!!! THEY ARE HUMAN BEINGS AND THEY DESERVE TO BE TREATED EQUALLY UNDER THE LAW...WHICH INCLUDES EDUCATION!!!! SO NEXT TIME YOU OPEN YOUR MOUTH TO GIVE SOME IDIOTIC LAME EXCUSES ON WHY THEY DON'T DESERVE AN EDUCATION WHY DON'T YOU EDUCATE YOURSELF FIRST!!!!!! OH AND BY THE WAY IF ALL YOU IGNORANT PEOPLE FEEL SO CONFIDENT ABOUT ALL YOUR MORONIC OPINIONS WHY NOT PLACE YOUR NAMES HERE SO THAT EVERYONE CAN SEE HOW IMBECIL YOUR THOUGHTS ARE!!!!! IGNORANCE IS BLISS!!!!!!
Posted: Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Article comment by:
No name provided
Barbara, are you kidding me? All the comments back to "Ms confused and digusted" are LOONEY! Inmates EARN their degrees in college by HARD WORK? What on earth is so hard waking up at 6 in the morning where you don't have to pay rent, taking a hot shower where you don't pay a water or electric bill, walking oh, 50 yards to a hot breakfast where you didn't have to cook it OR pay for it,walk to a class about 7am sit and learn.At 11 you walk and get your free lunch, go back to class and get out at 1:30. You then walk back to your "house" maybe study for a while, undisturbed by kids, a wife, a JOB, walk to dinner at 5 and your day is about done. Same thing day after day. No responsibilties. No money spent.The same oppertunity is NOT available to them. I'll bet they have kids, bills a JOB, more than likely no child support. THAT = RESPONSIBILITY!Our tax dollars should not be used to give free degrees to inmates. Oh ya. You teaching that course = $. NOTHING is free..unless you're an inmate. Inamtes are not rehabilitated through prison programs.Period.
To "Ms confused" and "disgusted", you sound great. Keep up your hard work, and DON'T
get involved with one of these "educated losers".
Posted: Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Article comment by:
No name provided
LAUGH MY BUTT OFF AT JANIE.. WOW WERE SOOO PROUD OF U.. U GO GIRL!! HAHAHAHAHAHA STUPID I SWEAR. dayumm wheres whocares he have something to say about this one lol
Posted: Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Article comment by:
Janie
I love my man to. Just cause he raped another woman or two and got sent to Ironwood dont make him bad. Hes got a degree now and in 40 years when he gets out he'll get a real good job and take care of me, his baby doll.
Posted: Monday, November 23, 2009
Article comment by:
Jennifer
My Sweetheart is an inmate and a gifted facilitator for these groups. I am with the other ladies! I am very proud of him for all he does in there. He could choose to sit around and do nothing productive but he uses his time to help others and himself rebuild their lives!! Keep it up Honey
Posted: Monday, November 23, 2009
Article comment by:
No name provided
WOW! if any of you knew anything about the prison system in the U.S. and that these corporations are being publicly traded on wall street. You would know and understand why over 50% of the inmates are in for a drug related offense. While we had Nancy Reagan telling us to say no to drugs in the eighties, we had the C.I.A. flying in drugs to the United States (Iran Contra). So please do us all a favor and educate your damn selves on this corrupt system and how it's all about a cycle of money and even state employees are pawns in the U.S. prison system and even are smuggling in dope for the inmates. So what part of rehabilitation do you want to give the inmates after all it's called California department of corrections and rehabilitation. So don't choose a side or make an opinion unless you truly understand that it's a corrupt and unfair system for all people of California, especially minorities and the poor.
Posted: Sunday, November 22, 2009
Article comment by:
No name provided
Hello Barbara, I am wwriting in regards to how this program has been such a positive relation t the inmates who voluntaringy enroll in it. I am a very close friend to an instructor whom is an inmate as well. His name is Sam P. Osi and has been a close friend fo the past 21 years who I have stayed in touch with throughout no matter where I lived, I always set time away to keep in touch with him. During these years, I have noticed an enormous transition in this individual physically, mentally yet more say intellectually. He has grown into a more positive, faithful and educated man.I want to personally thank you for initiating such a program to these individuals. I believe like every other adult, we all should be treated equally even with education and such alcohol/drug programs. Whats to become of those if it wasn't offered in facilities like Chuckawalla Valley State Prison those citizens would most likely think and assume they are worthless and unsuccessful in anything they pursue. In conclusion, Your program has lead these graduates to endure more and yearn for more due to the outcome and positve outlooks it stowes upon them. I am very proud of Sam and all his graduates and know this will be very promising as he is hopefully released soon and will be put into a gratifying position of employment. Keep up the good work!
Posted: Saturday, November 21, 2009
Article comment by:
JACQUELINE RAMOS
TO THE CONFUSED ONE AND THE DISGUSTED ONE I HONESTLY THINK THAT YOUR IGNORANCE IS EXTREMELY BLINDING. THERE ARE MANY PROGRAMS AVAILABLE FOR SINGLE PARTENTS OUT HERE IT'S JUST A MATTER OF PEOPLE GOING OUT AND LOOKING FOR THEM...HOW CAN YOU HELP SOMEONE THAT DOESN'T HELP THEMSELVES? MY SISTER IS ALSO A SINGLE MOTHER WHO GOT OFF HER LAZY BEHIND AND DEMANDED FOR HER LOCAL REPRESENTATIVE TO CREATE MORE PROGRAMS FOR SINGLE PARENTS...HAVE YOU GUYS PERSONALLY GONE OUT AND DONE SOMETHING ABOUT THE INJUSTICES IN YOUR COMMUNITY??? IF NOT THEN IT'S NECESSARY FOR YOU TO KEEP YOUR MOUTH SHUT...GO OUT AND LOOK FOR THE HELP CAUSE TRUST ME IT'S OUT THERE...TRUST ME!!!!!!! BUT AS THE SAYING GOES "IGNORANCE IS BLISS!!!"
Posted: Saturday, November 21, 2009
Article comment by:
JACQUELINE GUEVARA
I'M PLEASED TO SAY THAT MY FIANCE IS ONE OF THE 9 TO GRADUATE FROM THIS PROGRAM...HE MAKES ME SO PROUD!!!!!!!! GO MARIO MARTINEZ!!!!!!!!!!
Posted: Saturday, November 21, 2009
Article comment by:
0000000000
Ms. Confused have you heard the phrase it takes a village to raise a child? It takes a village to raise a country, baby steps. Inmates and those of us that are prisoners of our own choosen have been forgiven. Whatever your inward battle may be Ms. Confused I pray that you will forgive yourself. "FOCUS"
Posted: Saturday, November 21, 2009
Article comment by:
Barbara J. Lawrence
Eddy,
Let me please clarify: I am an Adjunct Instructor for Palo Verde College. I get paid for teaching each course, as anyone does, all Distance Learning, not only to inmate students. In reference to the article, the two program discussed at CVSP, along with the other one at ISP, are not part of the Palo Verde College curriculum. No one is being paid, period! These are inmate run programs, written, developed and facilitated by inmates. This group of inmates have completed their Associate Degrees and their Alcohol and Drug Studies curriculum with Palo Verde College. As a result of the final Internship course, these two programs were developed by the inmate interns as, "Pilot Programs." Mission, to give back. Many hours are required, much time, hard work, lots of dedication from professionals and inmates. Again, ALL UNPAID! This is NOT a Palo Verde College curriculum "Pilot Project".
Please feel free to contact me if you so desire accuracy in information regarding either program.
And yes, would be happy to enlighten the community in any area that I would be able to, however anyone has the option to fulfill their educational dreams through college attendance and participation. So with that being said, the best information to be found with the most accuracy, is straight from the college of one's choice. They will let you know of grant options and all financial aid possibilities. I am not an expert in that area.
Thank you and I appreciate your comments. I hope all of our minds continue to possibility think.
Posted: Friday, November 20, 2009
Article comment by:
Eddy McGillicutty
Ms. Lawrence, apparently you haven't read my prior postings that reflect my opinions towards inmate education or rehabilitation programs. What some of the other commenter's have expressed here is their strong concern and frustration for giving something to criminals that they, as law abiding citizens, would not or cannot receive. I noticed you stated that there were programs available for single mothers and the like. Perhaps you could offer a community workshop to enlighten the citizens about these programs. I also noticed that you are not providing your time gratis but are being paid through the Palo Verde College, which I take are taxpayers funds. Therefore, it's funding that could be redirected to offer programs and training to people that have NOT preyed on others in some shape or form and have otherwise broken the law. Lastly, in regards to any rehabilitative programs that are offered to convicted felons, the felon him/herself has to get a new mindset and practice patience when doors are closed on them because of what they did and NOT return to their old ways and old bad habits. Or in other words, and I think you will agree, that THEY need to want to change themselves and take an active role in doing so. Kicking back with the homeys and returning to their old ways will just return them back to prison. Then, every penny that was spent on them attending any type of program has just gone down the toilet. It all falls back to that saying - You can lead a horse to water but you can't make him drink." and right now, there are a lot of thirsty law abiding citizens out here.
Posted: Friday, November 20, 2009
Article comment by:
Barbara J. Lawrence, MSW
Dear Ms. Confused,
Well, what makes you think that 75% won't use a degree if they have one? Where does that statistic come from?
More education = Greater knowledge = Less ignorance = Greater options and opportunities = Improved self-esteem = More integrity = Desire for better more fulfilling life = Employment = Paying taxes = Taking care of family = Being kind and honest = More compassion = More freedom = Greater sense of belonging to family and community = Feeling like a contributing member of society = Changing lives & making differences = Desire for more education = COMPLETE LACK OF DESIRE AND/OR NEED FOR PRISON!
And that my friend is how education rolls!
No need for confusion truthfully, open your mind to all things that just may be of greater impact than you now know. The world is not one dimensional and there is room for healing in all arenas.
Thank you and so glad you have taken time in your life to gain some education. Be proud of your accomplishments and if you have dreams left unfulfilled, see what it will take to fulfill them.
Thank you and have a great Thanksgiving holiday.
Barbara J. Lawrence, MSW
Posted: Friday, November 20, 2009
Article comment by:
Barbara J. Lawrence, MSW
I made two postings, not yet up, one to "Ms. Disgusted" one to "Eddy McGillicutty."
My first posting was supposed to be to "Disgusted," and my second to, "Ms. Confused."
Just for the record.
Also an additional comment to Ms. Confused -I just wanted to say, "Cudo's" to you for never being arrested and for working so hard. Being a single mom I think, is one the most difficult if not THE most difficult job in the world. So thank you for all you do.
The second thing is, you are way too smart and hard working to even consider welfare as an option. Pick going to school as your option, you can make it work!
Thanks. So be glad you are not in an inmate's shoes, but no reason to be a hater because of the shoes they are in.
Barbara J. Lawrence, MSW
Posted: Friday, November 20, 2009
Article comment by:
Ms. Confused
To Ms. Barbara I do have a education...but I don't see how someone goes to prison and they come out with a degree of some sort.....I just think its crazy! Thats my opinion and if you think its right for prisoners to get out of prison with a degree that maybe 75% don't use then good for you, but I don't think its okay.....and another thing its good that they give back to the community thats at least they can do.....
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