On the Friday of Father’s Day weekend, a group of adults in custody (AICs) and fathers housed at Two Rivers Correctional Institution (TRCI) celebrated the holiday in typical dad fashion: on a fishing trip with their kids. The trip was part of the department’s efforts to humanize and normalize the prison environment, a strategy known as the “Oregon Way.”
Continue reading “Two Rivers Celebrates Father’s Day with a Fishing Trip”Tag: Humanization
AIC Shares a Seasonal Story About Working for OCE
Oregon Corrections Enterprises (OCE) Administrator Ken Jeske recently brought a tree into the OCE Administration office for staff to enjoy. When the office AIC worker Michael arrived for work, the two put up the tree and had quite the conversation. Ken asked Michael how long it had been since he put up and decorated a tree. We hope you enjoy his story:
“My name is Michael Buell and I am currently an AIC at Santiam Correctional Institution (SCI). Having the opportunity to work for OCE has been a tremendous blessing. It gives me a sense of normalcy and purpose everyday which is extremely important to me. For example… When I came into work the other day, I noticed they had brought in this Christmas tree that you see in the picture. They showed me where the decorations were and asked if I wanted to set it up and decorate it. After struggling with burnt out strands of lights for a couple hours I finally got it all done, and the finished product is what you see here.
It occurred to me while I was decorating the tree, that the last time I had done something like this was over three years ago with my two daughters and it definitely brought back a lot of memories for me. Moments like that are special and you cannot put a price on them.
Continue reading “AIC Shares a Seasonal Story About Working for OCE”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.
Continue reading “Changing the Prison Environment at OSP”Powder River Rocks Family Day
Powder River Correctional Facility (PRCF) held its 7th Annual Family Day Event on August 24, 2019. The event was attended by 40 adults in custody as well as 134 of their friends and family members.
Continue reading “Powder River Rocks Family Day”Friends and Family Gather at SCI Summer BBQ
On Saturday, August 24, Santiam Correctional Institution (SCI) hosted its annual Friends and Family BBQ. By all accounts, it was a huge success!
Continue reading “Friends and Family Gather at SCI Summer BBQ”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!
Coffee Creek Hosts Carnival Celebrating Family Bonds
This July, Coffee Creek Correctional Facility (CCCF) held its 17th annual Through a Child’s Eyes (TACE) carnival event. TACE events allow adults in custody (AICs) to invite their children–and now grandchildren–for a day of fun and family connection. The event is sponspored by the Wilsonville Rotary Club and included face painting, balloons, tasty food, and all sorts of games and activities. The puppies from CCCF’s Puppy Program even attended the event, and kids who attended got to practice brushing puppy teeth! What a unique opportunity!
Continue reading “Coffee Creek Hosts Carnival Celebrating Family Bonds”Snake River Celebrates Father’s Day
Over the weekend, the Snake River Correctional Institution (SRCI) minimum facility hosted a Father’s Day event where adults in custody (AICs) could wear regular clothes while celebrating the day with friends and family. Snake River had five AICs and fifteen visitors participate in the event, which was combined with a luncheon.
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