Through the Eyes of an AIC

Hello, my name is Jorge Serrano, and I am part of the Oregon Corrections Enterprises Braille Program at Oregon State Penitentiary with the aspiration of becoming a certified braille transcriber.

Prior to this program, I had no idea that there was a dynamic way for me to have a positive influence in my community—even behind bars.

Similar to most people, braille transcription didn’t even cross my mind. For the first six years of my incarceration, I was unproductive; I found my job as a kitchen linebacker unsatisfying and worried about what I would do upon my release from prison. It’s remarkable to reflect on the fact that I’ve done more in the past eight months (my time in the program) than in my entire seven years of incarceration.

When I initially read the ad in The Echo (prison newsletter), I felt like I could not only learn a transferable skill but, in the process, help a community that is often overlooked.
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The 7 Habits on the Inside: Advancing The Oregon Way at Warner Creek

In 2025, the Oregon Department of Corrections (DOC) integrated The 7 Habits on the Inside into The Oregon Way, building on a model first launched by the Colorado Department of Corrections in 1998.

Colorado has since graduated more than 10,000 adults in custody and staff members, implementing the program in nearly all of its facilities and establishing designated units for graduates. Long-term data from Colorado indicates the program creates a shared language between staff and incarcerated individuals, helping reduce the traditional “us versus them” dynamic and strengthening institutional culture.

The program was later introduced at Fort Leavenworth, the U.S. military’s only maximum-security prison. Leaders there noted its strong impact in helping both staff and military offenders adopt a common framework centered on accountability and responsibility. Data presented in 2018 showed promising post-release outcomes, including a minimal return rate among graduates released on parole.

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Trades That Transform

Joedy Marlatt, an electrician at Eastern Oregon Correctional Institution (EOCI), has helped hundreds of adults in custody complete Registered Apprenticeship programs while incarcerated.

Joedy Marlatt, DOC Supervising Electrician, and Brian Crise, Electrical Program Chief, Building Codes Division.

Most recently, his apprentice Tariq Knapper earned a perfect score on his Limited Energy Technician license exam — the final step in the program. When Joedy shared the news, Knapper said that with his license and training, he was set up for success after release. He couldn’t wait to call his grandmother. Joedy remembers when Knapper first started at the Plant and couldn’t identify basic tools.

Another former apprentice from the Boiler Operator Program, now released and off probation, regularly sends photos of his check stubs to Joedy and his journey-level worker as a thank you. This time, he said, he left prison with a clear plan — determined to secure employment and rebuild his relationship with his daughter without delay.

Joedy keeps books filled with letters from past apprentices — expressions of gratitude and testimonials about how apprenticeship and teamwork at the Physical Plant helped them grow and change while mastering a trade. One apprentice wrote, “You taught me what it means to be a man.”

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The Oregon Way – Building Safer, Stronger Institutions

The Oregon Way, an Oregon Department of Corrections initiative, continues to deliver meaningful improvements in staff wellness, institutional safety, and adult in custody (AIC) outcomes across multiple facilities. Through Dynamic Security and normalization practices, teams are seeing measurable operational and cultural benefits that are strengthening institutions systemwide.

Across participating facilities, The Oregon Way is helping teams move from reactive responses to proactive engagement. The result is a safer environment for staff, stronger operations, and more positive outcomes for adults in custody.

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Where Teamwork Meets Results

Oregon and New Mexico come together to learn, share, and lead through teamwork

Attendees from OSP, CCCF, Special Housing, Oregon Way, and New Mexico

It was clear from the very beginning that this was going to be a meaningful day at the Oregon State Penitentiary (OSP). The training opened with a warm welcome from the Oregon Department of Corrections Director Mike Reese, who spoke about the importance of collaboration and the value of learning from colleagues in other correctional systems. His words set an encouraging tone, reminding everyone why partnerships like this one with the New Mexico Department of Corrections matter so much.

From there, the morning moved into a series of powerful presentations. John Taber introduced The Oregon Way – A Team Approach, explaining that this is more than just a model; it’s a culture. He described how consistency, teamwork, and trust shape daily interactions and create safer, more respectful environments inside Oregon’s facilities.

Building on that, Charlie Brinton walked the group through the Contact Mentor Team concept. He explained how giving officers the responsibility to directly connect with adults in custody allows concerns to be addressed early, and relationships to be built on accountability and mutual respect. The participants could see how this approach makes a real difference in day-to-day operations.

The focus then turned to the Activity Team, led by Lieutenant Yonally and staff from Coffee Creek Correctional Facility (CCCF). They shared how structured, meaningful activities provide more than just safe outlets—they help reinforce pro-social behavior and give adults in custody opportunities to succeed in positive ways. Rounding out the morning, Ruben Deanda from CCCF spoke about the Freedom House Transition Unit, a space designed to prepare individuals for reentry with mentorship, structure, and accountability. His passion for the work resonated with everyone in the room.

In the afternoon, it was time to see theory put into practice. Lieutenant Trimble introduced the Resource Team, first with a video presentation and then with a demonstration of how the team works to de-escalate situations and provide support during moments of high stress. Participants were then given a guided tour of the facility, where they saw firsthand what life looks like inside OSP.

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Strengthen Bonds – Dads4Life Kids Camp at Snake River

The Dads4Life program at Snake River Correctional Institution (SRCI) was created to support incarcerated fathers and their children, helping to repair and strengthen the critical parent-child relationship while also creating positive connections with the child’s caregiver. At SRCI, the bond between father and child is a high priority, valued both by families and the Oregon Department of Corrections.

This year marked the 12th year of the Dads4Life program and the 9th Kids Camp, designed to give children and their fathers two full days together, filled with fun activities, shared meals, and meaningful one-on-one time. These moments allow dads and kids to reconnect, while caregivers enjoy a chance to relax, bond with other caregivers, and share experiences.

This year, eight families with 19 children participated in Kids Camp. The Ontario Church of the Nazarene generously hosted the opening BBQ and festivities, providing support with housing, transportation, food, and donations to ensure every family had quality time together.

The two-day camp was packed with activities for all ages, including crafts, beading, face painting, airplane races, derby cars, sports, karaoke, games, movies, mindfulness exercises, snacks, and shared meals. Each dad had the opportunity for special one-on-one moments with every child, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

From laughter and play to conversations and connections, the 2025 Kids Camp was a meaningful and memorable experience for everyone involved. It’s a wonderful reminder that even in challenging circumstances, the bonds of family can be nurtured, strengthened, and celebrated.

Game On – DRCI’s New Field Is Here

What was once a dusty, uneven patch of ground at Deer Ridge Correctional Institution is now well on its way to becoming a vibrant softball and soccer field.

In summer 2024, DRCI set out to transform its lower yard from a worn, unsafe space into a safe, welcoming recreation area.

Fortunately, DRCI has one of the best physical plant teams in the state—maybe even the world. With careful planning, countless phone calls, and a dedicated crew of volunteer AICs, the team cleared the yard of grass and potholes in fall 2024. Over the winter, they worked closely with vendors and paving companies to line up equipment and materials.

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Fishing, Family, and Fresh Starts

How much is a day of fishing worth?

At Snake River Correctional Institution (SRCI), the answer is simple: priceless.

SRCI staff and adults in custody (AICs) were honored to take part in a special kids’ fishing event at Bully Creek Reservoir. Families came together to spend the day reeling in fish, sharing a hearty lunch, playing games, drying out wet socks, sneaking in a nap or two, and most importantly, making memories that strengthened family bonds.

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From Forest Camp to Career Success: Two U-PACT Graduates Thrive Post-Prison

South Fork Forest Camp (SFFC) recently celebrated the early successes of two adults in custody (AICs) who were part of the camp’s first U-PACT cohort. In January 2025, Joseph Belecz and Rodney Abel joined the pilot program, embarking on a journey that would lead them not only to release but to meaningful careers.

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From Training to Action – SWAT Team’s Heroic Response to Roadside Emergency

While attending a Special Operators’ Course for DOC SWAT candidates at Deer Ridge Correctional Institution near Madras, Oregon, members of the instructor cadre were called to action—off the training field and into the real world.

On the evening of Monday, April 14, 2025, after wrapping up their daily end-of-day meeting, the cadre was traveling back to their lodging when they witnessed a serious accident. A double tractor-trailer hauling hay collided with a small car, sending it over the edge of a hill toward an embankment above the Safeway parking lot in Madras.

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