Art of Communication: Ronnie’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 the first in a series which aims to share the stories of AICs who have been impacted by the program.

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Powder River Gives Back Through Gift Bags

Tracy Trump delivers donations to DHS

Adults in custody (AICs) housed at Powder River Correctional Facility (PRCF) raised over $1,300 this year for the institution’s Annual “Gift Bag/Give Back” event, which provides personal hygiene items, clothing, and gift cards to individuals in crisis in Baker City and the surrounding community. PRCF partnered with the local Sheriff’s Department to purchase Subway, McDonald’s, and Albertson’s gift cards for deputies to hand out to those in need. The donated cards included an attached note stating they were provided by an AIC at Powder River.

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OSP’s First Spanish “Art of Communications” Grads

Oregon State Penitentiary graduated it’s first Spanish Art of Communication class! Art of Communication is a 10 week course created by Chaplain Persinger at SRCI. Students learn skills on how to actively listen and speak effectively. The skills are then used to build positive relationships and resolve conflicts when they occur. (Articulo en español abajo)

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Coffee Creek and OCE Recognize Another Outstanding DMV Agent

Adult in Custody Desserrey Cheney poses with her award certificate

This quarter’s STAR award, given to a Coffee Creek Correctional Facility (CCCF) DMV agent for outstanding work at the call center, was presented to Desserrey Cheney. Cheney is an adult in custody (AIC) at Coffee Creek, and her role as a DMV call center agent is made possible by the Oregon Department of Correction’s (DOC) partnership with Oregon Corrections Enterprises.

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Meaningful by Design: Incarcerated Designers at OCE

This article was written by Adult in Custody Todd Davilla and edited by the Oregon DOC Office of Communications for clarity.

An AIC’s Opportunity to Connect with the Community

In 2016, Oregon Corrections Enterprises (OCE) launched a new business unit focused on providing marketing design services. This marketing design unit began with a single adult in custody (AIC) designer, but has grown to a team of five over the past three years. The AIC designers create graphics and layouts for print and digital media, as well as design logos and branding, and create photo realistic 3D renderings and animations. The designers use current industry-standard software like Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, and 3ds Max.

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Coffee Creek’s Life-changing Cosmetology Program

Coffee Creek Correctional Facility’s (CCCF) cosmetology program is about more than manicures and dye jobs. For many of the women incarcerated at CCCF, the program is the first step in making a better life for themselves. Whether they are training in the Hair Design program or having tattoos removed that remind them of a painful past, the program offers hope for a brighter future.

The messages below were submitted by three adults in custody (AICs) at Coffee Creek Correctional Facility who have experience with the cosmetology program. They have been edited for clarity by the Oregon DOC Office of Communications.

AIC Sarah Erickson, Advanced Aesthetics student
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A Very Merry Christmas at SCI

One little boy couldn’t believe his eyes when Santa walked in to the visiting room at SCI

Santiam Correctional Institution (SCI) once again celebrated a successful family Christmas event on the evening of December 12, 2019. Nearly 40 adults in custody (AICs) were able to participate in the event this year, and 65 children joined in the fun with their chaperones bringing the total number of participants up to 137!

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Changing the Prison Environment at OSP

This article was written by Tonya Gushard, a Public Information Officer and employee at the Oregon State Penitentiary in Salem, Oregon. It has been edited for brevity and clarity.

Behind these walls we are one community. OUR community. The community we call the Oregon State Penitentiary.

Our community consists of over 350 employees, over 2,000 adults in our care and custody (AICs), and hundreds of volunteers and contractors. The Oregon Department of Corrections’ mission is to hold offenders accountable for their actions and reduce the risk of future criminal behavior, but it is our passion to create a safe and healthy environment, with the responsibility of creating better neighbors where positive and pro-social change occurs. A place where people will become healthy, productive, and contributing members of society.

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