Hello, my name is Jorge Serrano, and I am part of the Oregon Corrections Enterprises Braille Program at Oregon State Penitentiary with the aspiration of becoming a certified braille transcriber.
Prior to this program, I had no idea that there was a dynamic way for me to have a positive influence in my community—even behind bars.
Similar to most people, braille transcription didn’t even cross my mind. For the first six years of my incarceration, I was unproductive; I found my job as a kitchen linebacker unsatisfying and worried about what I would do upon my release from prison. It’s remarkable to reflect on the fact that I’ve done more in the past eight months (my time in the program) than in my entire seven years of incarceration.
When I initially read the ad in The Echo (prison newsletter), I felt like I could not only learn a transferable skill but, in the process, help a community that is often overlooked.
Oregon and New Mexico come together to learn, share, and lead through teamwork
Attendees from OSP, CCCF, Special Housing, Oregon Way, and New Mexico
It was clear from the very beginning that this was going to be a meaningful day at the Oregon State Penitentiary (OSP). The training opened with a warm welcome from the Oregon Department of Corrections Director Mike Reese, who spoke about the importance of collaboration and the value of learning from colleagues in other correctional systems. His words set an encouraging tone, reminding everyone why partnerships like this one with the New Mexico Department of Corrections matter so much.
From there, the morning moved into a series of powerful presentations. John Taber introduced The Oregon Way – A Team Approach, explaining that this is more than just a model; it’s a culture. He described how consistency, teamwork, and trust shape daily interactions and create safer, more respectful environments inside Oregon’s facilities.
Building on that, Charlie Brinton walked the group through the Contact Mentor Team concept. He explained how giving officers the responsibility to directly connect with adults in custody allows concerns to be addressed early, and relationships to be built on accountability and mutual respect. The participants could see how this approach makes a real difference in day-to-day operations.
The focus then turned to the Activity Team, led by Lieutenant Yonally and staff from Coffee Creek Correctional Facility (CCCF). They shared how structured, meaningful activities provide more than just safe outlets—they help reinforce pro-social behavior and give adults in custody opportunities to succeed in positive ways. Rounding out the morning, Ruben Deanda from CCCF spoke about the Freedom House Transition Unit, a space designed to prepare individuals for reentry with mentorship, structure, and accountability. His passion for the work resonated with everyone in the room.
Resource Team Activity
In the afternoon, it was time to see theory put into practice. Lieutenant Trimble introduced the Resource Team, first with a video presentation and then with a demonstration of how the team works to de-escalate situations and provide support during moments of high stress. Participants were then given a guided tour of the facility, where they saw firsthand what life looks like inside OSP.
The Oregon State Penitentiary (OSP) Veterans Association recently hosted an impactful event focused on the strength of veterans supporting one another—both inside and outside the walls. The gathering brought together incarcerated veterans, leaders from the Oregon Department of Corrections (DOC) and Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs (ODVA), and several community organizations committed to veteran support.
When we think about incarcerated individuals, the hope is that upon release, they don’t return to prison. But if they do, it’s as an asset to their community, not as an adult in custody (AIC). Martin Lockett, a former AIC who served 17 years in prison, is a powerful example of this transformation. After his release, he returned to the Oregon Department of Corrections (DOC)—not as an AIC, but as the Director of Cultural Engagement for Lines for Life.
Through the collaborative efforts of the Asian Pacific Family Club and the Oregon Department of Corrections (DOC), Lettuce Grow is now providing multiple gardening programs for adults in custody (AICs) at the Oregon State Penitentiary (OSP). Lettuce Grow is part of a non-profit organization called Growing Gardens. The relationship between Lettuce Grow and DOC began in 2009. Through their joint efforts, DOC has been able to grow between 200,000 and 300,000 pounds of food each year. An astonishing 95 percent of this food goes into the prisons’ kitchens, while over 10,000 pounds are donated to food banks and community organizations across the state. As of 2024, Lettuce Grow provides various levels of educational gardening programs in every correctional institution in Oregon.
The Oregon Department of Corrections is thrilled to share some outstanding news about the Oregon State Penitentiary’s (OSP) Resource Team and their transformative work with the Behavioral Health Unit (BHU) and Mental Health Infirmary (MHI).
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.
In a move to enhance correctional operations, the Oregon State Penitentiary (OSP) recently hosted a comprehensive Learning event focused on Dynamic Security practices. This event highlighted how these practices have been seamlessly integrated into operational tasks through the development of Resource Teams and the implementation of Contact Officer programs.
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.
University of Oregon’s Prison Education Program Members
With a class mantra like ‘Keep it Complicated,’ the students of the most recent University of Oregon (U of O) Prison Education Program (PEP) weren’t sure what to expect when they entered the classroom at the Oregon State Penitentiary (OSP) for the first time. During the first quarter of 2024, the subject was geography, specifically focusing on ‘Culture, Ethnicity, and Nationalism.’”
