This is an appropriate quote to preface the journey and subsequent triumph of a group of South Bay Correctional & Rehabilitation Facility (SBCRF) student inmates, who decided that they would not just “go to Rome and do as the Romans do” but would “grasp the finger of opportunity.” Their perspective was not to magnify the inherent challenges that would occur in their daily lives behind bars but to see each challenge as a unique opportunity. Indeed, rather than sit on the sidelines and become spectators in their educational journey, they became star athletes and valuable supporting bench players. They changed their thinking and played the game earnestly, knowing that the only acceptable outcome is to win or draw the hand they are dealt.
At SBCRF the word “inmates” takes on an entirely new meaning as an acronym for “Inspire Now, Make All Together Earn Success.” This aligns with the Facility’s culture on how inmates should be treated. It is critical that upon arrival at the Facility, all stakeholders (correctional officers, program staff, and facility leadership) embrace the approach that inspiration, togetherness, and success are critical elements to an inmate’s rehabilitation. Moreover, this template can be easily duplicated throughout the institution by all employees, which will result in lower rates of recidivism, more value-added services, and higher quality citizens returning to their communities. The Program Department’s group of inmate aides and teaching assistants epitomize the best with their dedication, commitment, and daily efforts to support their fellow inmates. The fact that many of the aides provides insight into the character of these men who provide unwavering assistance in whichever capacity they are asked to serve. Many of them emerged as stalwarts during the COVID-19 pandemic, demonstrating unbridled enthusiasm and leadership in ensuring that program assignments were distributed and collected, and tutoring any inmates who needed assistance. The results of the symbiotic relationship between inmate teaching assistants, program staff, and program participants, culminated in January of this year when over 200 inmates donned their cap and gowns to receive their graduation certificates. We are proud of the achievements of our program participants and will continue to “Inspire them Now to Make All of them Together Earn Success.”
