Strengthen Bonds – Dads4Life Kids Camp at Snake River

The Dads4Life program at Snake River Correctional Institution (SRCI) was created to support incarcerated fathers and their children, helping to repair and strengthen the critical parent-child relationship while also creating positive connections with the child’s caregiver. At SRCI, the bond between father and child is a high priority, valued both by families and the Oregon Department of Corrections.

This year marked the 12th year of the Dads4Life program and the 9th Kids Camp, designed to give children and their fathers two full days together, filled with fun activities, shared meals, and meaningful one-on-one time. These moments allow dads and kids to reconnect, while caregivers enjoy a chance to relax, bond with other caregivers, and share experiences.

This year, eight families with 19 children participated in Kids Camp. The Ontario Church of the Nazarene generously hosted the opening BBQ and festivities, providing support with housing, transportation, food, and donations to ensure every family had quality time together.

The two-day camp was packed with activities for all ages, including crafts, beading, face painting, airplane races, derby cars, sports, karaoke, games, movies, mindfulness exercises, snacks, and shared meals. Each dad had the opportunity for special one-on-one moments with every child, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

From laughter and play to conversations and connections, the 2025 Kids Camp was a meaningful and memorable experience for everyone involved. It’s a wonderful reminder that even in challenging circumstances, the bonds of family can be nurtured, strengthened, and celebrated.

Fishing, Family, and Fresh Starts

How much is a day of fishing worth?

At Snake River Correctional Institution (SRCI), the answer is simple: priceless.

SRCI staff and adults in custody (AICs) were honored to take part in a special kids’ fishing event at Bully Creek Reservoir. Families came together to spend the day reeling in fish, sharing a hearty lunch, playing games, drying out wet socks, sneaking in a nap or two, and most importantly, making memories that strengthened family bonds.

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A Game of Second Chances

Brett Hollins: Founder of the Side Door Foundation

In early October, an unlikely basketball game took place between Snake River Correctional Institution’s (SRCI) Select Team, made up of all adults in custody (AICs), and the Side Door Foundation, which includes former AICs, G-League players, and former college athletes.

The Side Door Foundation is a dedicated non-profit organization focused on providing opportunities for athletic and academic achievement. Its mission aims to reduce recidivism through rehabilitation and reintegration for those who are currently or formerly incarcerated.

Brett Hollins, the foundation’s founder, along with Drew Dukeshire, the Program Coordinator, both share a personal history as former AICs who have spent time at SRCI. Mr. Hollins reached out to DOC, requesting the opportunity to give back to the AIC population at SRCI by organizing a basketball game. His vision is to change the stigma surrounding incarceration while transforming individual lives and helping to support long-term success for those reentering society. Through the Side Door Foundation, Brett is not just giving back—he’s forging a path forward for countless others.

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Celebrating Dedication – Steve Toth Named Chaplain of the Year

Left to right: Religious Service Manager Miguel Melendez, Chaplain of the Year Steve Toth, and Religious Service Administrator Daryl Borello.

Recently, the Chaplain of the Year award was presented to Steve Toth from Snake River Correctional Institution. Many, if not all, Chaplains within the Religious Service Unit go above and beyond their job descriptions to enhance the lives of the adults in custody they serve. This Unit Specific Award recognizes at least one of these dedicated Chaplains each year for their exceptional service to the Religious Service Unit, their facility, the adults in custody, the Oregon Department of Corrections, and the public.

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Revolutionizing Corrections Through OSP’s Resource Team

Oregon State Penitentiary Learning Event

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.

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Opening Minds Brews Hope for Project Dove

The Snake River Correctional Minimum (SRCM) facility’s Opening Minds of the Communities Club arranged a successful coffee and creamer fundraiser, donating the proceeds to Project Dove. Through hard work, planning, flexibility, patience, and teamwork, the AICs were able to donate an impressive $1337.53! Both the club president and Project Dove’s director expressed sincere appreciation for the shared opportunity to support those in need.

Thank you to the Opening Minds Club, the 541 participating AICs, and the dedicated SRCM staff for making this donation possible. And a special thank you to the AIC volunteers, who devoted their spare time to crochet the hats, scarves, and stuffed animals!

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Opening Minds of the Communities Club Fills Hearts and Shelves

In a heartwarming display of community spirit, the Opening Minds of the Communities Club (OMCC) at Snake River Correctional Institution’s Minimum (SRCM) facility recently channeled their fundraising efforts to benefit the Four Rivers Community School Food Pantry. The adults in custody (AICs), organized a successful doughnut fundraiser and utilized remaining funds from a coffee fundraiser, resulting in a generous donation of $1,073.23 to the pantry.

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The Spirit of Giving

Every year, the Snake River Correctional Institution (SRCI) work crew selflessly dedicates their time to bring the spirit of the season to life at the Four Rivers Cultural Center. This dedicated group of adults in custody (AICs) volunteers for the Malheur Council on Aging and the Festival of Trees, transforming the cultural center into a magical holiday display.

The heartwarming holiday fundraiser they contribute to supports vital causes – Meals on Wheels & Help Them to Hope. The AICs don’t just lend a hand; they haul decorations, set up trees, string lights, build playhouses for the auction, and coordinate other merchandise for fundraising efforts.

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Time to Grow

The adults in custody (AICs) at Snake River Correctional Institution (SRCI) take pride in their garden growing skills! So far this year, they have produced all kinds of vegetables to be used in the kitchen at the institution.

At the Oregon Department of Corrections (DOC), all 12 facilities have garden programs, they are part of the Sustainability initiative. Growing Gardens-Lettuce Grow, a nonprofit organization, in conjunction with the Oregon State University Master Gardner’s program provides educational materials about the art and science of growing and caring for plants to educate and teach sustainable organic gardening practices to AICs.

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Let’s Go Fishing

Go Fish! It’s not just a card game, it is an honored and accessible pastime that all families can benefit from, especially here in Oregon.

Whether you are reeling in a stringer full of fish, just feeding that ever-elusive trophy trout, snagging trees, taking a nap under the shade of a tree with your kid, or holding a worm for the first time…any day fishing is a GOOD DAY!

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