The Contact Officer Support Program, aligned with the principles of the Oregon Way, was designed to equip staff at Columbia River Correctional Institution with additional training, resources, and decision-making authority to better support incarcerated individuals. By creating strong, positive relationships, the program helps create a safer and more stable environment, encouraging personal growth and success.
For adult in custody (AIC) Timothy Coulter, this support had a lasting impact. With guidance from dedicated Contact Officers, he found the encouragement and opportunities needed to turn challenges into success. Timothy recently graduated from the program and was invited to share his thoughts on what the program meant to him and the difference it made in his life.
Here is Timothy’s story:
When Powell asked me to speak about the Officer Support Program, and how it helped me. I sat and thought for several days how I would start this letter off. I concluded that thanking God first would be the most appropriate. Secondly, I thanked him for sending me to Columbia River. lastly, I thanked him for the staff here, especially Officer Powell, Sg.t. Lowe, Ms. Ellgen, Ms. Collins, And Ms. Oldfield.
In my opinion a man’s confrontation with his personal/private human core is deep. Facing my shame has taught me what authentic humanity is all about. I arrived to Columbia River wounded. I knew that I was a sleeping man, in dire need to be woken up. I was unsure and unsteady. Deep within I struggled with believing. Believing that there was still a hope, and a future for my life. Even though the faith that I could change was tiny, I clung to it with everything that I had left in me.
I’ve learned in life that there are two different kinds of pain. First, is the pain from staying the same and never changing. The second kind of pain is the pain of changing, to be open-minded to learning a new way, with a hope that leads to permanent change. I knew that changing wouldn’t be easy, and believe me it hasn’t been. However, I looked at change in its eyes and told myself that I was ready. I was just praying that putting work in to change would be worth it. I knew that I had to stop assuming my own failure. For most of my life I would just assume my own failure so that I wouldn’t actually have to experience it.
This is where the Officer Support Program helped me. The first goal that I told Powell I wanted to work on was being mindful of how I can control myself when agitated or feeling frustrated. Ever since I was a young boy I’ve always had serious problems with anger. But the Officer Support Program helped me to frame my feelings within the larger context of who I really am. This program helped me to be okay with my emotions, it helped to realize that my joy is my job. That my attitude is my assignment and ultimately that my stability is my responsibility.
The Contact Officer Support Program helped me challenge my defaults. It expanded my capacity for pressure. It helped me learn to pick and choose my battles. This program has enabled me to make a positive impact to this community. Which made me think, if I can lead and be a positive role model amongst my peers in this community. Then imagine the impact I can make in the community of Portland, Oregon. This program has helped me not only set, but also meet my goals which brought dignity to me in return. I’m a firm believer that whatever I build here, will set the stage for how I will be used in the community after my release. The Contact Officer Support Program helped me to trust those in authority, which is a miracle in itself. I feel human again. This program helped me keep myself accountable. Which when reciprocated, I became a better man, a better man for myself, my children, my family, my friends, my recovery, and God. This program taught me not to hide the part where I ached. I learned that I am not the sum of my mistakes. I’m a believer that a man cannot carry out change on his own. How to change must be learned. It is learned from the wisdom of others, and lessons gleaned through one’s life experiences. Thank you for your time, with love and respect.
Written in Spirit and in Truth,
Timothy James Coulter
