Former AIC Donates Books to EOCI

This article was written by the Eastern Oregon Correctional Institution’s (EOCI) Supervising Executive Assistant, Chris Scarr. Chris received a call from a former adult in custody (AIC), Brent Leathers. Mr. Leathers graciously offered to donate books to the EOCI’s library. Continue reading about how Chris and Mr. Leathers worked together on the logistics and the excitement that followed, and get an update on Mr. Leathers.

In early June 2022, I received a call from former AIC Brent Leathers. Mr. Leathers informed me he is a member of the Library of America (LOA), a non-profit organization that preserves our nation’s literary heritage. He stated he had been given the opportunity to donate 50 books from LOA and would like to contribute them to the library at EOCI. A value of over $1100. He explained he enjoys reading, and it was reading books more than anything that helped him through his incarceration. He expressed he wanted to give back and hoped others would enjoy the same benefit from reading.

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Eastern Oregon Correctional Institution’s JLAD Service Dog Program

Here is a little history about the Eastern Oregon Correctional Institution (EOCI) Joys of Living Assistance Dogs (JLAD) Service dog Program. EOCI started the program in 2016, after almost a year of planning. Approximately 70 percent of the dogs graduate from the program, which is above the national average. The training program started with 16 puppies and has expanded to 32 dogs. Only 16 dogs are trained at any given time, as the dogs are rotated in and out every week.

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A PhD From Prison – By Eric Burnham

For over 20 years now, I have been inmate # 12729124, but my name is Eric. I am serving a 25-to-life sentence for second-degree murder. On September 5, 2001 I took a man’s life during a fight that I started while drunk, creating a ripple effect of pain and suffering that damaged countless lives. I take full responsibility for how my violence harmed others, and early in my prison sentence I made the decision to do something about it, although back then I didn’t know what.

When I was arrested, I was 21-years-old, staggeringly narcissistic, addicted to alcohol, marijuana, and methamphetamines, lost behind the mask I used to hide my shortcomings, and profoundly undereducated–I didn’t even have a GED. I acted out in ways I thought would effectively conceal my insecurities, and I pretended to be someone I am not.

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Elf on the Shelf Visits Eastern Oregon Correctional Institution

To bring a little bit of Christmas spirit to adults in custody (AICs) at Eastern Oregon Correctional Institution (EOCI), staff from Correctional Rehabilitation helped launch a DOC-friendly version of Elf on the Shelf throughout the month of December.

Because the Elf does not have security clearance to actually enter the prison, he has sent in pictures of himself so AICs can experience some of the mischief Elf on the Shelf gets up to in the homes of American families. The pictures are printed and posted on the unit bulletin boards for all to see. While sharing some light-hearted frivolity around the institution, the project has also generated an interesting amount of conversation between the AICs and their children. Multiple AICs have approached the staff member who is running the project asking what is next for the Elf on the Shelf. Below are some of the photos Elf on the Shelf shared with EOCI.

Eastern Oregon Celebrates the Power of Education

EOCI grads look upward – the sky’s the limit!

On Friday, December 6, 2019 graduates of the Blue Mountain Community College (BMCC) GED program walked in a commencement ceremony at Eastern Oregon Correctional Institution (EOCI) and were recognized for their accomplishments.

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Eastern Oregon Holds Picnic for Families

The first Eastern Oregon Correctional Institution (EOCI) family picnic of the year was held on the sunny Saturday of June 22nd. Families gathered on the West yard and in Multi for the daylong event. The day was a total success, with 138 participating AICs and 348 visitors attending!

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Eastern Oregon Congratulates Peer Recovery Graduates

On June 18, six adults in custody (AICs) at Eastern Oregon Correctional Institution (EOCI) graduated as Opioid Peer Recovery Coaches.

The program is designed to have peer coaches who can help other adults in custody who suffer with opioid and other addictions learn the skills needed to transition successfully to the community while recognizing and overcoming their addiction.

Back row, from left – Levon Lord, Joseph Smallwood, Kyron Trevino, Program Director Ricardo Olalde, Keaton Stephens, Jason Mortenson and Saige Decker.

Front Row, from left – Contractor Chaela Manning, Communicable and Chronic Disease Intervention Coordinator Ann Chakwin, and Contractor Star Powell.

Congratulations graduates!!

AIC Spotlight: Art Inside Out

Adult in custody (AIC) Kirk Charlton has published several children’s books that he wrote and illustrated during his incarceration at the Oregon Department of Corrections. His books are part of a series called “I WANNABE.” Each book depicts stories about kids from all cultures and backgrounds who are fascinated with different career opportunities. Being part-Hawaiian, AIC Charlton shared that diverse representation in children’s literature is important to him. The stories are informative, inspirational, and describe different careers and hobbies in detail. AIC Charlton believes his books can make a difference in how children experience the world.

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Oregon Corrections Enterprises Collaborates with University

University of Oregon students and staff tour the OCE garment shop at Eastern Oregon Correctional Institution

Last year, Oregon Corrections Enterprises (OCE) and the University of Oregon (UO) created a joint venture to connect design students with adults in custody at the Oregon State Penitentiary and Two Rivers Correctional Institution, with the goal of exploring furniture design and creating prototypes. Through a friendly competition, OCE awarded scholarships to the winning UO teams, and the project was featured at a furniture design show in New York City.

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