On September 12, 2023, Mule Creek State Prison honored the achievements of 45 incarcerated individuals who received job certifications and apprenticeships from the California Prison Industry Authority (CALPIA). This graduation ceremony, held in collaboration with the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR), California Correctional Health Care Services, and the California Department of Industrial Relations, celebrated the hard work and dedication of these graduates in their pursuit of vocational skills and rehabilitation.
Bill Davidson, CALPIA General Manager, addressed the graduates, emphasizing the significance of their work during their incarceration. “These jobs are important; I hope you see this not just as a duty while in Mule Creek, but as the launch of your career,” he encouraged. The ceremony, attended by family, friends, and staff, underscored the meaningful progress these individuals are making toward reintegration into society.
The graduates were awarded industry-accredited certifications in various fields, including Data Entry, Clothing and Fabric, Food and Beverage Packaging, Commercial Laundry, and Healthcare Facilities Maintenance. Some also completed apprenticeships, demonstrating the multifaceted training opportunities offered by CALPIA.
Among the graduates, Jesus Tovar stood out with his certification in Healthcare Facilities Maintenance. Tovar described his experience as transformative, stating, “This is my first time having responsibility and it is a milestone in my life.” He expressed gratitude for the training received through CALPIA and looked forward to using his skills to provide for his family upon his release.
Dr. Diana Toche, CDCR’s Undersecretary of Health Care Services, reiterated the importance of quality training, assuring graduates that the skills they learned are essential for the workforce. “Congratulations on seizing the opportunities before you,” she said. “Through programming, we aim to equip you to provide for yourselves and your families when you leave here.”
Chief Deputy Warden Bryan Holmes also addressed the audience, emphasizing Mule Creek’s commitment to rehabilitation. “We are proud to work with CALPIA to prepare you for a successful return to society,” stated Holmes. His remarks highlighted the program’s role in fostering personal growth and community reintegration.
The keynote speaker, Tony Curtis, a former CALPIA graduate, shared his inspiring journey of skill acquisition and professional development while incarcerated. Curtis, who obtained three certifications including Optician and Healthcare Facilities Maintenance, emphasized the invaluable skills learned through CALPIA. “These are the doors that lead to success,” he remarked, now thriving as a co-owner of his construction company and a senior pastor.
Curtis’s story resonates with the program’s mission: to provide viable skills for a fresh start. “You must seize every opportunity to succeed,” he advised the graduates, echoing the program’s commitment to fostering hope and resilience.
As CALPIA continues to empower incarcerated individuals through vocational training and certifications, stories like these highlight the profound impact of rehabilitation programs on personal transformation and societal contribution. This graduation at Mule Creek State Prison serves as a beacon of hope and a testament to the life-changing potential of commitment and hard work.
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