Did you ever think it was possible to bring the great outdoors inside the walls of a maximum-security prison? Thanks to a partnership with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) and the Association of Northwest Steelheaders (Mid-Valley chapter), the Correctional Counseling staff at the Oregon State Penitentiary (OSP) did just that. They hosted a special two-day fishing event in the OSP visiting yard for incarcerated dads and their families, offering a unique opportunity to learn about aquatic ecosystems.
For the second consecutive year, Powder River Correctional Facility (PRCF) organized a special outing for the adults in custody (AICs) to enjoy the local Fourth of July fireworks show. This event, coordinated by Officer Erickson and Lt. Brazofsky, ensured that AICs could view the fireworks in a safe and controlled environment.
The reactions from the AICs upon being notified was a mix of surprise, excitement, and a bit of confusion as they processed the opportunity. This year, six AICs were chosen to participate, accompanied by three Correctional Staff members: Lieutenant Brazofsky, Officer Lopez, and Officer Brinton.
Rising Through Boiler Plant Apprenticeships at the Oregon State Penitentiary
Oregon State Penitentiary Boiler
We are thrilled to announce the launch of an innovative initiative within the Oregon State Penitentiary (OSP) that is not only revolutionizing opportunities for the adults in custody (AICs) but is also transforming lives beyond the prison walls. Introducing the Oregon Department of Corrections (DOC) Boiler Operator Apprenticeship Program – a groundbreaking endeavor aimed at providing education, training, and sustainable job placement for individuals in our correctional facilities.
South Fork JLAD AICs from Left to right Nicholas Schmit, Brent Morrow, Naythan Olney, John Savelich, Chet Schisler, and Jonathan Cuha
Recently, South Fork Forest Camp (SFFC) had the privilege of taking six adults in custody (AICs) to the Joys of Living Assistance Dogs (JLAD) graduation in Keizer. The best part? The AICs had no idea that this field trip had been approved!
The AICs were warmly welcomed by the other guests, who expressed their appreciation for the hard work put into training the dogs. Originally, two AICs, Olney and Schisler, were scheduled to be guest speakers via video. However, they had the chance to address the audience in person, sharing their experiences and what JLAD has taught them about themselves. The recipients of the dogs trained at SFFC were able to personally thank the AICs, creating an emotional and memorable moment for everyone.
From left to right: Mike Markle, Seth Mulkey, Geoff Holden, and Sue Robson.
Mike Markle, Seth Mulkey, Geoff Holden, and Sue Robson ate breakfast at Denny’s in Hermiston, Oregon after visiting the local Walmart. What might seem l like a normal Friday to the unsuspecting eye, was a highly unusual, unprecedented event. What makes it such a rare occurrence? At the time, Mulkey was incarcerated at the Eastern Oregon Correctional Institution (EOCI).
AIC Anthony Foster with Pacific Pine Supervisor Nick Strubel
The pilot Work Release Program at Warner Creek Correctional Facility, facilitated by Oregon Corrections Enterprises (OCE) and Pacific Pine Products, marks a significant opportunity for incarcerated adults. It’s the first of its kind in over 25 years and operates under the Prison Industries Enhancement Certification Program, offering woodworking, metal fabrication, sewing, and more. OCE, established in 1999 to engage adults in custody (AIC) in meaningful work, operates in nine Department of Correction’s (DOC) facilities, focusing on skills for workplace success and post-release employment.
U-Pact participants at Coffee Creek Correctional Facility
The Ironworkers Local 29, Bricklayers Local 1, and Cement Masons Local 555, partnering with the Union Pre-Apprenticeship Construction Training (U-PACT) program, offer a 12-week training to women at Coffee Creek Correctional Facility (CCCF).
U-PACT Oregon is a pre-apprenticeship program designed to provide basic to intermediate trade skills to adults in custody that will prepare them for a career in one of the three represented trades, reduce recidivism, and positively impact Oregon’s economy.
Sometimes, in an effort to meet people where they are in life, we must also meet hope where it resides. In the Art Room on the Activities floor of the Oregon State Penitentiary (OSP), Emily Nelson, the Director of Training and Outreach at the Oregon Peer Training and Innovations Center (OPTIC), utilizes the canvas of her own life to illustrate the relevance of life experiences and how they can manifest into concepts of peer support, empowering health, wellness, and hope in others.
Emily Nelson, Director of Training and Outreach along with Peer Wellness Specialists
OPTIC is a program of the Mental Health and Addiction Association of Oregon (MHAAO). MHAAO applied for and received a grant from the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) for Emily to collaborate with the Lakota Oyate-Ki cultural club at OSP to train adults in custody (AIC) on becoming Peer Wellness Specialists (PWS). PWS training is the only dual-approved training in Oregon for both mental illness and addiction.
Over 80 hours spanning four weeks, the training was provided to 24 AICs. It included a 17-module student training guide with written assignments, in-person lessons, role-play, and a final test. Lessons covered topics from Social Awareness and Cultural Knowledge to Health Across the Lifespan. Emily emphasized the importance of Self-Care, Motivational Interviewing, the Eight Dimensions of Wellness, and the significance of utilizing the Trauma-Informed Approach to Peer Support.
According to the Lakota club, the PWS training at OSP has been five years in the making, aiming to change the prison culture from within. It seeks to promote newly acquired PWS skills to better connect with fellow club members, other groups within OSP, and to give back to the broader community beyond prison walls and upon release.
PWS training
Emily Nelson’s commitment and motivation stem from the positive ripple effect this work can have. By bringing PWS training to OSP, this ripple will continue to move through members of society who may not have otherwise had this opportunity. The 24 AICs at OSP who successfully completed this training are a testament to what can be achieved when hope meets individuals where they are, as evidenced in the Art Room on the Activities floor of the Oregon State Penitentiary.
Article by OSP PIO Media Team Members/PIO Stephanie Lane, AIC Randy Guzek
Carisa – A member of the DMV program at Coffee Creek Correctional Facility
My name is Carisa G. I have been with the Coffee Creek DMV Call center for 8 ½ years. I’ve been a lead agent currently for four years. I really enjoy working for DMV as I feel it brings some normalcy to a place like this.
I was inspired to propose this as an idea to my manager because of my experience as an employee at Sprint call centers. There the employees are recognized for their stellar performance, and you were awarded with the employee of the month.
When I was having my One-on-One meeting with my manager, here at DMV, I presented this idea for employee of the month and that we would call it STAR agent. She agreed it was a great idea and then asked that I write it up as a proposal.
January – A member of the DMV program at Coffee Creek Correctional Facility
My name is January and I have been with the Coffee Creek DMV Call Center for 3 years. The ability to feel like I’m part of the DMV team was refreshing. Over the years I have made some genuine friendships within DMV. One of those friends within DMV wanted to lift my spirits, and knew I loved turtles. She went out of her way to color a circular design that resembled a turtle shell. She also attached arms, legs, and a lipstick wearing turtle head.
