Expression of Gratitude

The Snake River Correctional Institution’s (SRCI) Resource Team recently participated in a very special dinner with Peer Mentor and Resource Team member, Galvin Lomboy who expressed how the Peer Mentorship has changed his life as an adult in custody (AIC). The dinner was made possible by the SRCI Correctional Rehabilitation team.

During the special event, AIC Lomboy articulated how he could not stop thinking about all the opportunities to better himself, and how he would dial in on the focus of his goals after incarceration and his desire to help others. In short, he expressed his goals to continue the humanitarian path after he has finished his sentence. He talked about his gratitude for all the support, advice, and guidance of the Resource Team. He continued to name each member and how much he has learned from each person in different ways.

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Artist Spotlight – Collaborative Art with Wayne Cummins and Herb Wood

Inspiration is the first step for any artist, the fire starter if you will. But how does an artist seek out or find inspiration in the world? It differs for everyone. Some people find inspiration in nature, religion, or the world around them. Some people wait to be found by inspiration. For artist Wayne Cummins, inspiration found its way to him through friendship.

Cummins met his friend Herb Wood years ago living with him on a housing unit at Eastern Oregon Correctional Institution. They became friends through their shared interest in artwork and sketching.

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Out of the Darkness at OSCI

Like many of our facilities, Oregon State Correctional Institution (OSCI) recently partnered with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) to host their first Out of the Darkness walk, working to prevent and foster awareness around suicide. The walk provided OSCI’s adults in custody (AICs) and employees a space to discuss their experiences, express their grief, and learn about warning signs and prevention efforts.

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Powder River Washes Up

A progress picture of the shower area
The completed shower area

Everyone loves a good before and after! The Oregon Department of Corrections (DOC) Facilities Services Division recently undertook a shower and restroom renovation project at Powder River Correctional Facility (PRCF) with the help of the PRCF Physical Plant and the PRCF Inmate Work Force (IWF).

Adults in custody (AICs) from the Powder River IWF were interviewed for special work skills, including basic construction and concrete experience. Ten AICs were picked to work on the second part of the upgrade, which took almost 20 weeks to complete.

The project included designs for an enhanced floor drainage system, fiberglass reinforced wall coatings, and new water- and mold-resistant wall board. All AIC showers and restrooms at PRCF have now been upgraded with the same design. The IWF adults in custody were instrumental, not only in the labor force, but in their team work and commitment. Paired with leadership from Facilities Services, this project was a huge success!

To top it all off, the project was created ahead of schedule. Way to go guys!