17 Jul

Posted at 12:41h in Featured, Improve Lives, Latest News, News Archives, Strategic Plan
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On Monday, July 3rd, the Bear Highside Housing Unit at the Utah Department of Corrections (UDC) was buzzing with energy and creativity as incarcerated individuals showcased their remarkable talents in a captivating talent show. Organized by James Featherstone in collaboration with Family Home Evening and the UDC, this event was a testament to the power of art and the rehabilitation journey. The impressive lineup featured a diverse array of performers, including Mike Robinson, Anthony Kish, Sterling Allan, Albert Givens, Jeff Meyer, Daniel Senior, Jeff Finlayson, Brad Freeze, Alex Perkins, Roger Rynhart, Mike Strickland, Joel-Lehi Organista, Charles Sargent, Ron Kelly, Desean Goins, Brett Hancock, Brandon Sappington, Justin Brinkerhoff, Jessie Mirelez, James Featherstone, and Chaplain David Bokovoy. Their captivating acts spanned various genres, ranging from soulful musical performances to heartfelt poetry readings. In addition to the live performances, individuals from the Bear Highside Housing Unit who didn't take the stage contributed their artistic talents by crafting unique items such as stuffed animals, hats, and other art pieces. These creations were thoughtfully displayed just outside the chapel where the event occurred, adding an extra touch of creativity to the atmosphere. Ensuring that everyone had the opportunity to enjoy the show, a live stream of the event was broadcasted by the UDC on tablets for those in higher security housing units who couldn't attend in person. Furthermore, a recording will be available to all incarcerated individuals via their tablets. The recorded performance will also be shared on YouTube, enabling friends and family members of the participants to share in the joy and celebrate the talents of their loved ones. James Featherstone, who served as the host and emcee, delivered an outstanding performance, keeping the audience engaged and creating an enjoyable atmosphere. Support services were provided by Paul Kimbal, contributing to the seamless execution of the talent show. The success of this event would not have been possible without the dedication and efforts of Lt. Dunford and Chaplain Bokovoy, who played instrumental roles in bringing the event to life. Special recognition goes to the LDS Bear River Branch Volunteers, whose hard work behind the scenes truly made a difference and helped create a memorable experience for everyone involved. The Bear Highside Housing Unit talent show not only entertained and uplifted the spirits of the incarcerated individuals but also demonstrated the transformative power of art and the positive impact it can have on the rehabilitation process. It served as a testament to the remarkable talent and resilience of those we supervise.   Alec Langton...

12 Jul

Posted at 13:59h in Featured, Latest News, News Archives
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Salt Lake Community College’s Prison Education Graduates Earn Associate’s Degrees   SALT LAKE CITY, July 10, 2023—Today, twenty-three students proudly graduated from Salt Lake Community College’s (SLCC) Prison Education Program at the Utah State Correctional Facility. Sixteen received an associate’s degree, all but one in General Studies, and seven received a certificate of completion for General Education.    “As these individuals are released from prison and become our neighbors, they often face a tough transition. SLCC is happy to be helping them gain the skills and education they need to find meaningful employment,” said SLCC President Deneece G. Huftalin. “This allows them to support their families, possibly end cycles of poverty and incarceration, and become productive members in their communities.”    In the past year, more than 220 students, men and women, have participated in SLCC classes offered at the Utah State Correctional Facility. The community college anticipates around 300 students to register next fall for classes.     The SLCC prison education program (PEP) is one of the few in-person options available for students to take classes that can lead to a college degree. Currently, SLCC is the only school in the Utah Correctional Facility to offer an associate’s degree. Davis Tech has been offering technical education there since 2010.   “Providing education in the prison makes so much sense on both a practical level and a human level. It transforms individuals, strengthens families and ultimately benefits society,” said David Bokovoy, director of SLCC’s Prison Education Program. He pointed out that access to education significantly reduces recidivism. “Our students leave prison with hope, a belief in their potential, and a plan to find a job and sometimes pursue more education.”    SLCC’s prison program started as a pilot in 2017 with funding from the Utah State legislature. It began with 40 students (men and women) in seven classes. Now, SLCC offers 20 classes that can lead to six associate’s degrees: Anthropology, Business, Criminal Justice, General Studies, History and Paralegal Studies. More than two dozen SLCC faculty members teach in the Prison Education Program.   The program’s class completion rates are high, with a 92% rate for women and 66% men. (Men are more often moved to other facilities interrupting class attendance and completion).    “The opportunity SLCC provides for the students is really immeasurable. For most of our students, it is the first time they have been exposed to post-secondary education, and the first time they realize that they can succeed at this,” said Brian Fauver, Department of Corrections, education coordinator. “Education is valuable to any human. It’s not only about opening up economic opportunities, but it is also about expanding our identity and reaching our fullest potential as human beings.”   Ferosa Bluff, who earned her associate’s degree in General Education was one of a handful of students who spoke at the graduation ceremony. She spoke about how education had lifted up students’ self-esteem, self-confidence, and began to help them find purpose. “Education has allowed us to learn, grow and change as human beings.”   About Salt Lake Community College Salt Lake Community College is Utah’s largest two-year college, proudly educating the state’s most diverse student body in 8 areas of study at 10 locations and online. The majority of SLCC graduates transfer to four-year institutions, and thousands more are trained in direct-to-workforce programs. This year, SLCC is celebrating 75 years of providing Utahns with education and training in fields that builds the state’s vibrant economy and high quality of life. ...

10 Jul

Posted at 16:23h in Featured, Latest News, News Archives
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Recently, South Park Academy held its inaugural high school graduation ceremony at the newly opened Utah State Correctional Facility. That will now be the one and only graduating class for South Park at USCF. Officials with the Salt Lake City School District have announced the school will change its name to Sky View Academy. The district's board approved the change on June 6. South Park offered high school courses to incarcerated students at the Utah State Prison from 1955 to 2022. It was initially under the supervision of the Jordan School District before moving to the Canyons School District in 2009. So why the change? In 1955, the name South Park was not associated with a popular cable television show that, to put it politely, does not reflect the image the school district is striving to put forth at USCF. "Students within correctional facilities are often marginalized and are rarely afforded opportunities to change how they are viewed," said the district's name change proposal. "With the current school's name, several references within pop culture can be made that reinforce negative stereotypes of bad behavior and continue to stigmatize our students long after they pay their debt to society and re-enter their communities when they produce proof of graduation through transcripts or diplomas. "South Park Academy students and stakeholders deserve a name that instills hope and pride for all associated with the program." Sky View was selected based on a survey of students and stakeholders – highlighting the wide-open spaces surrounding USCF. It topped Sliver Lake Academy (which went with the water theme at the facility) and Bayside Academy (a nod to the Great Salt Lake sitting just a few miles away).  The groups also selected Eagles as the mascot and a color scheme of purple and silver. "I think they, as well as our other stakeholders who participated, did a phenomenal job in choosing a name that not only represents the landscape but also choosing a mascot that has great significance and symbolism when it comes to our students' livelihoods while here," said Christopher Sullivan, the Supervisor/Administrator for Sky View. "I couldn't think of a better school name and mascot for our students as they soar to new heights and strive for a better future while they keep hope alive."...

06 Jul

Posted at 21:24h in Featured, Invest in Staff, Latest News, News Archives, Strategic Plan
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The Utah Department of Corrections Training Academy continues to prepare new officers and deputies for careers in corrections. The latest to join the ranks include 46 cadets who graduated recently from Pre Service Academy 335. Those earning awards in the class include Joshua Ludlow (Physical Fitness), Michael Burnett (Professionalism), and Kody Woffinden (Academic). Joshua Ludlow was also named Outstanding Trainee achieving the highest academic and physical fitness scores. The new cadets also heard from keynote speaker, Assistant Deputy Executive Director of the UDC, Maria Shirey. The class motto was "Memento Mori!" Congratulations to all. Andrew Damas, Communications Office...

06 Jul

Posted at 21:22h in Featured, Improve Lives, Latest News, News Archives, Strategic Plan
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Chalk on a walkway in a Utah neighborhood? Pretty common. Chalk on a walkway . . . in a Utah prison? OK, that’s new. Women in the Elevate program at the Utah State Correctional Facility spent a part of Tuesday, June 26, drawing on the concrete between the Dell and Emerald housing units, which comprise the majority of the women’s facilities at USCF. Elevate is the residential substance use program for women at the site. The Chalk the Walk activity saw the women create original artworks or replicate drawings they brought with them. The explosion of brightly-colored chalk designs quickly took over the roughly 100-yard thoroughfare. “I think it’s great,” said Leslie Crafts, her right hand dusted with the neon pink Crayola chalk she was applying. “It kinda gives us a little bit of freedom and it’s a lot of fun.”   The project was designed as a therapeutic approach to promote community bonding and pro-social behavior, noted Kim Zundel, a case specialist with the Elevate program. It’s the first time the event has been tried at USCF, which opened in July 2022. “Even the ones that are pretty quiet are coming out of their shell and interacting with their peers,” said Zundel. “That’s pretty good.” Interaction was evident, as the amateur artists shared laughs and exchanged colored chalk back and forth. All the while, the turtles, landscapes and inspirational messages became real on the path. “It’s working with each other and it shows creativity,” said Brittany Karczewski as she carefully outlined a unicorn she said was for her daughter. “It’s just a chance to have some sober fun. Some of us haven’t had that before.”   Liam Truchard, Communications Specialist...

16 Jun

Posted at 22:29h in Featured, Improve Lives, Latest News, News Archives, Strategic Plan
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It was a graduation ceremony three years in the making. Literally. The first high school graduation ceremony since 2020 was held recently at the Central Utah Correctional Facility in Gunnison. Officials from the Central Utah Academy celebrated not only the 29 graduates from the Class of 2023, but also took the time to highlight the 14 graduates from 2021 and the 16 from 2022. The pandemic caused challenges, officials noted, but students overcame them to be where they were today – wearing graduation regalia and accepting diplomas. “This is a testament to your fortitude,” said Ralph Squire, Superintendent of the South Sanpete School District, which operates Central Utah Academy. During his speech, Guy Gabaldon, 49, challenged his fellow graduates to “never stop learning.” “This is just the beginning to a new chapter in our lives,” he added. “Good luck to you all.” Anthony Blauer, a counselor at the academy, read the graduates a poem about wreckers and builders, stating that he saw those gathered this day were the latter. “You guys have all shown to me that you’re a builder,” he said. “You’re building your own lives.” The Utah Department of Corrections operates CUCF and the Utah State Correctional Facility in Salt Lake City. In addition to high school courses, both facilities offer technical and college courses to incarcerated individuals. CUCF houses up to 1,800 male inmates. We want to thank all UDC staff for encouraging incarcerated individuals and providing the means for them to pursue education while under our supervision. Without your help, we would be unable to offer these opportunities....

12 Jun

Posted at 15:11h in Improve Lives, Latest News, News Archives, Strategic Plan
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A dozen students—under the supervision of the Utah Department of Corrections but housed in the Duchesne County Jail as part of the Inmate Placement Program—graduated from the Building Trades program offered through Uintah Basin Technical College (UBTech) on May 17.  The 14-week program, a staple at the county jail for 30 years, provides the opportunity for individuals housed there to build affordable housing for the surrounding community while learning and receiving certification for skills such as framing, electrical work, plumbing and woodworking. Graduates recently completed the first house built through the program since the program was suspended due to COVID-19. Opening remarks were made by Captain Jeremy Curry of Duchesne County Jail, Tim Miller and Kenneth Pugh of UBTech, and focused on looking forward toward the future by utilizing and further developing skills learned throughout the program, with Pugh referencing the book “Be Your Future Self Now” by Dr. Benjamin Hardy. After the graduates walked across the staging area to receive their certificates, Aaron K. Weights, President of UBTech, made closing remarks to encourage graduates to continue building upon the trust they earned by remembering three words he believes can take one far: Trustworthy, Kindness, Reverence.  Weights ended with a poem to remind graduates that limitations can be self-imposed.   “You can do anything you think you can, and you’ll never accomplish more, but if you’re afraid to try, there is little for you in store,  for failure comes from the inside first, it’s there if you only knew it,  but you can win though you face the worst, if you believe you can do it!”   One graduate utilized his woodworking skills to build his mother a jewelry box while still incarcerated. Others are looking forward to release dates and view the Building Trades program as a “stepping stone back into the community.”  Braxton Smith paroled six days after graduation. He plans to get a job using skills he learned in the program. He also plans to attend a culinary arts program. Smith stated it “felt really good to be trusted again after being a prisoner and being stigmatized for so long.” Another graduate plans to start his own business building sheds and cabinets. Technical skills aren’t the only ones learned through the program, however. Miller with UBTech notes that it helps build confidence and self-esteem in those who participate, which he thinks can be “more beneficial than learning residential construction” for those incarcerated. This sentiment is echoed by Pugh, an instructor with the program, who states that “a lot of these guys, all they need is an opportunity and greater self-esteem.”   Jade Watkin, Communications Office...

12 Jun

Posted at 14:01h in Improve Lives, Latest News, News Archives, Strategic Plan
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Family and friends gathered Friday at the Garfield County Jail to recognize incarcerated individuals who graduated from high school, treatment programs and technical colleges this year. The graduates are under the supervision of the Utah Department of Corrections (UDC), and are housed in the Garfield County Jail as part of UDC’s Inmate Placement Program.  Six students received their high school diplomas while 15 others earned certificates in graphic design, foreign language and computers. Five completed Dare to Soar, a substance abuse treatment program. The graduates are assigned to Garfield County Jail as part of the Inmate Placement Program (IPP), which manages the contracts between UDC and jails statewide. “We are proud of the hard work of all the offenders who graduated and of the programming staff for their time and commitment,” said Randall Honey, Director of IPP.  Approximately 25 percent of those in state custody are housed in county facilities across Utah. While in a contracted county jail,  incarcerated individuals are able to participate in programming and educational opportunities  as they would in a state correctional facility. Garfield County’s graduation ceremony – held outdoors and abbreviated by thunderstorms moving into the area – was one of many taking place at county facilities across Utah. “The relationship between the Sheriffs Association and the Utah Department of Corrections is extremely important and vital to the success of the offenders,” added Honey. “The county jails provide a variety of programs, classes, and work opportunities that the offenders can utilize for their progress.”  Congratulations to all.   Liam Truchard, Communications Office...

05 Jun

Posted at 18:58h in Featured, Improve Lives, Latest News, News Archives, Strategic Plan
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Salt Lake City, UT - Utah State Correctional Facility’s (USCF) inaugural high school graduation saw 38 incarcerated students, ranging in age from 22 to 56 years old, earn their high school diplomas during an event Monday hosted by the Utah Department of Corrections (UDC) and Salt Lake City School District. The graduation took place at the facility’s main visiting area, with families of the incarcerated and leadership from Salt Lake City School District, the Utah State Board of Education, and UDC in attendance. Students were allowed to visit with family members after the event, with a box lunch provided. Not all students were able to be in attendance today, as some have returned to their communities or transferred to different sites within the UDC to complete other programs. Chris Sullivan, Principal at South Park Academy, the school at USCF, noted it was the first time since 2019 the school was able to have a graduation ceremony due to the pandemic and a prison move from Draper to Salt Lake City. “With all these changes and uncertainty, there were so many opportunities for our students to give up hope,” he recalled. “And yet, when the teachers came calling, the students started showing up.” Students participated in high school education classes throughout the year in both the mens and womens facilities. Four provided remarks during Monday’s event. Graduate Jose Rios-Mojica noted he was “happy” to be there – not a statement usually made in a prison setting. “Maybe you don’t understand why I have this feeling,” he said. “It is not sadness, but it is joy. “It has given me an opportunity like today to be a better person.” Cesia Ortiz thanked her teachers for helping her push through both school and a treatment program. “When I first began school, I had little to no interest in furthering my education,” she said, noting her release was contingent upon completing programming, not high school. “I realized that to be truly successful on the outside, I had to graduate.” Salt Lake City Board of Education President Nate Salazar thanked the graduates for choosing the path that brought them to the ceremony this day, noting that their education will always be theirs. “And while today is a day of firsts,” he added, “don’t let today be the last accomplishment, but one of the many more yet to come.” In order to allow broader participation in graduation ceremonies moving forward, South Park Academy will be holding graduation twice a year: in June and December. This will allow more students to be present for their own graduation ceremonies prior to being paroled or continuing to other programs.   Liam Truchard, Communications Office...

24 May

Posted at 12:16h in Featured, Impact Globally, Improve Lives, Latest News, News Archives, Strategic Plan
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On Thursday, May 18, 2023, The Central Utah Correctional Facility (CUCF) hosted Dan Young, CEO of Utah-based companies PC Laptops and Xidax Computer, who inspired incarcerated individuals while speaking on how he achieved success in business and life.   Drawing from his own experiences, Young spoke about the significance of integrity, energy, and education for achieving financial success. He also asked the prisoners to write down a list of goals they hope to achieve.   The UDC, CUCF, and its incarcerated population extend their heartfelt thanks to Dan Young for sharing his invaluable insights. With the continued support of individuals like Dan Young and the commitment to rehabilitation in our correctional facilities, the journey towards transformation and successful reintegration continues for those in the Central Utah Correctional Facility.   [embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i9OAh65AgZQ[/embedyt]   Andrew Damas, Communications Office...

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