Union Pre-apprenticeship Construction Training for Incarcerated Women

The Ironworkers Local 29, Bricklayers Local 1, and Cement Masons Local 555 partnered to launch the Union Pre-Apprenticeship Construction Training (U-PACT) program, which offers training to women at Coffee Creek Correctional Facility (CCCF).

The program received a state grant and gives preference to adults in custody, who are within six months of their release date, the opportunity to apply for the program. The first cohort of 12 pre-apprentices began this April. The women began the 10-week course that includes 6-weeks of safety and job training from the ironworkers, and 2-weeks of training each from the cement masons and bricklayers.

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Let’s Go Fishing

Go Fish! It’s not just a card game, it is an honored and accessible pastime that all families can benefit from, especially here in Oregon.

Whether you are reeling in a stringer full of fish, just feeding that ever-elusive trophy trout, snagging trees, taking a nap under the shade of a tree with your kid, or holding a worm for the first time…any day fishing is a GOOD DAY!

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Art of Communication: Manuel’s Story

The Art of Communication is a program offered to qualifying adults in custody (AICs) at a number of Oregon Department of Corrections’ institutions across the state. Developed by Chaplain Trime Persinger at Snake River Correctional Institution (SRCI), the course teaches AICs how to build positive relationships and manage conflict situations through everyday conversations. This post is part of a series which aims to share the stories of AICs who have been impacted by the program.

Below, AIC Manuel Arellano explains how the program has changed his mindset. AIC Arellano shared his experience with Trime Persinger, who wrote it down as follows:

A lot of times I’m very apprehensive to share my stories because I’m conscious of what the other person will think of me. That makes me shy to express these things from my past but if it will help someone it’s OK.

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Blue Mountain Community College Holds Last Graduation Ceremony at Eastern Oregon Correctional Institution

On June 8, 2023, a proud group of adults in custody (AICs) gathered in the chapel at Eastern Oregon Correctional Institution (EOCI) with a small number of loved ones and several staff. GED Instructor, Mr. Villers, opened the ceremony, followed by a wonderful invocation by Chaplain Zuleta. This was a bitter-sweet moment for all, as this is the last graduation ceremony with Blue Mountain Community College (BMCC). EOCI has enjoyed a long partnership with BMCC, and while we are sad to see them go, we look forward to continuing education programming for AICs.

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