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.
Continue reading “Revolutionizing Corrections Through OSP’s Resource Team”
A generous club within the razor wire, walls and locking doors of Oregon’s Two Rivers Correctional Institution (TRCI) has raised thousands of dollars for breast cancer programs at the Tri-Cities Cancer Center Foundation (TCCCF). Most recently, the Paradigm Shift Club (PSC) donated more than $2,500 from fundraisers held to benefit cancer patients.
Continue reading “Turning Walls Into Bridges”
The first CrossFit Games at Two Rivers Correctional Institution (TRCI) were met with a high level of intensity. The participants pushed themselves to their physical and mental limits in the 100-degree heat. The course began with a quick Rogue Fan bike ride, then transitioned to burpee pull-ups. The course then moved to the weight section, which included clean and press, dead press, and thrusters. The next section incorporated TRCI’s one and only row machine, followed by medicine ball squats, bear crawls, and finishing with another Rogue Fan bike ride.
Continue reading “CrossFit Games at Two Rivers”
The metal shop housed at the Two Rivers Correctional Institution (TRCI) offers a unique opportunity for adults in custody to learn the trade of welding and provide them with skills for a career upon their release. Former AICs who worked in the metal shop are now gainfully employed welders, working for reputable companies. Currently, there are seven AICs who have the coveted positions working inside the metal shop.
The most common projects fabricated in the metal shop are items like benches, tables, carts, and kitchen equipment. These items are put to use within the institution. Beyond the products fabricated for institution use, are items like firepits, stoves, gates, and signs.
Inside the metal shop, AICs can earn certifications in welding giving them the opportunity to be gainfully employed in iron work, heavy equipment manufacturing, metal fabrication, shipyards, and other manufacturing industries. It also provides an opportunity for a creative expression while learning the trade of welding.
Andrew Smith has been the shop coordinator at TRCI for 12 years, and really enjoys working with AICs, and providing them with a roadmap for a successful future outside prison. AIC Jarrod Pardun, one of the program participants, shared an analogy about learning welding: it’s like a haircut “You can always fix a mistake when welding, like you can fix a bad haircut – it might not be perfect, but it won’t be as messed up as it was in the beginning”.
Two Rivers Correctional Institution’s incentive unit PS4 video game tournaments has been a huge hit! The Paradigm Shift Club (PSC) hosted another video game tournament this year (first was Madden 23) but the Injustice 2 tournament received significantly more interest than the previous event.
The initial bracket is generated for each incentive unit where AICs play their on-unit tournament to determine an overall unit winner. The winner from each unit then plays in the final event against all eight housing units including the Minimum facility.
The video game tournaments are popular amongst the population because it reminds many AICs of their life before prison as many are lifelong gamers. Gaming has become a pastime and favorite activity within prison as well. The game tournaments offer AICs a platform to compete and put their skills on display for the institution.
Continue reading “Two Rivers Hosts Injustice 2 Tournament”
The latest installment of the Paradigm Shift Clubs’ (PSC) PS4 video game tournament featured NBA 2K23. In an isolated prison environment where housing units individually provide entertainment and activities, the video game tournament is a place for AICs to socialize and compete with a broader audience.
Continue reading “NBA 2K23 Tournament at Two Rivers”
The concept was born from Brandon Burge, a Paradigm Shift Club (PSC) member who has been corresponding with celebrities and pop culture icons during his prison sentence, requesting photos, words of inspiration, and signed memorabilia. Surprisingly, Brandon has received immense support and positive feedback as his collection includes magicians, sports stars, actors, and comedians to name a few.
Continue reading “The Wall of Inspiration”
Two members of the Tri-Cities Cancer Center visited the Paradigm Shift Club at Two Rivers Correctional Institution to receive their long-awaited check from the Breast Cancer awareness fundraisers.
The adults in custody (AIC) donated $3,834.35 to support the Cancer Center’s future operations. The members of the Tri-Cities Cancer Center were enthusiastic about visiting a prison for the first time and eager to learn about the Paradigm Shift Club, how fundraisers were facilitated, and information about the nuances of prison.
A few members of the Paradigm Shift Club shared their personal story as well as how important impacting the outside community is for those incarcerated. The guests showed immense gratitude and empathy toward the group’s endeavors and were surprised that those incarcerated were willing to donate their funds for the greater good.
The guests spoke about the Cancer Center in detail, which included an overview of departments, potential fundraising opportunities, and relevant information related to men incarcerated. The Paradigm Shift Club enjoys meeting with donation recipients to help spread awareness and build transparency, not only among the AIC community, but the outside community as well.
“I have been incarcerated for 10 years. During my time of incarceration, I have managed to accomplish many programs and developed skills to use in the workforce.
I have worked in maintenance for 2 years, then I worked in the welding shop for 3 years, and currently I work in the electrical shop for the past 5 years. I am also a Fitness/Yoga Instructor for the mental health AICs. For 3 years, I have been a mentor for other AICs to inspire them to take the road less traveled.
This October, I successfully completed the Electrical Apprenticeship Program. I am now a licensed Journeyman Electrician. With the electrical license and skills, I have developed, I will be financially stable with a career that is in high demand.
I am proud of my accomplishments and grateful for the support of my family, friends, and the staff here at Two Rivers Correctional Institution for contributing in guiding me through this journey of learning and growing into the fullness of my potential.”
Michael Dodge
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Two Rivers Correctional Institutions Religious Services Programs support the Oregon Way. In late June, with the assistance of Security Managers and Rehabilitations Service Managers, adults in custody exchanged wedding vows. Exchanging vows wasn’t the only highlight of the day, AICs were authorized to “dressed up” for the event. Read their stories below.
Continue reading “Two Rivers Correctional Institution – Weddings and New Attire”