Former Larch Corrections Center Offender Working at Wastewater Company

David Jones, Wastewater Operator

David Jones didn’t know a thing about wastewater treatment when he arrived at Larch Corrections Center (LCC) as an inmate back in Feb. 2004. But thanks to his hard work and LCC’s vocational program in wastewater treatment, Jones today has a paying job as a Wastewater Operator at Veolia Water Company in Vancouver.

By the time Jones was released to the Clark County Work Release after serving 42 months at LCC, he held the title of a Wastewater Operator 3.  Earning this title generally requires four years of training, but with Jones’ dedication to learning the profession, he acquired the title in only three.

“Jones has a great job and many skills, which I believe pretty much guarantee he will be successful once released,” said James Oja, Treatment Plant Operator at LCC and Jones’ previous supervisor.

In order to enroll in the wastewater treatment program at LCC, Jones had to pass the initial wastewater exam, which proved he had the skills necessary to succeed in that profession. Since the initial exam, he not only advanced to a Wastewater Operator 3, but also earned several wastewater certifications.

“The program helped me out a lot and allowed me to grasp all the facets in the wastewater profession,” said Jones. “You get hands on experience and are able to learn the whole process from maintenance, lab work, to basically running the plant.”
Jones said Oja was an excellent supervisor and not only showed him how to essentially run a wastewater plant, but was also a mentor to him.  He said Oja taught him how to focus and to not let the small stuff in life bother him.

Not only does Jones have Oja to thank, but he is also appreciative of Dave Richardson and Beth Sharpe, Employment Specialists who are in partnership with DOC and Offender Employment Services.  Jones contacted Richardson and Sharpe while they were pursuing their mission of helping people with conviction history find jobs. Jones told them he was interested in finding a wastewater position once released.

Sharpe and Richardson obtained a copy of his resume, researched wastewater positions in the area, and contacted WorkSource, which enrolled him in the Workforce Investment Act (WIA). They were able to provide him with money to secure work boots, work clothing and other incidentals he would need for his new position at the Veolia Water Company.
Jones received accredited lab experience testing wastewater at LCC and is now applying the lab experience at Veolia Water Company where he works full time as an Operator-in-Training.

“Throughout the entire job search process, Mr. Jones has been a model of professionalism and has worked so hard to make this happen,” said Sharpe. “Because he presented himself so well and had such a great attitude, Veolia Water Company overlooked his background issues and hired him on.”

Jones has been employed at Veolia Water Company for over a month.  He hopes to be working as a Plant Manager in Maui once released in December 2007.

“This is a big change in my life, but I’m ready,” said Jones. 

Preparing for Release Classes helps Offenders Set Goals before Release

The Preparing for Release program helps ease anxiety for not only offenders who will soon be released from prison, but also the family members they will be returning to.

The family-friendly pilot program that began in spring 2007 has proven to be successful at Mission Creek Corrections Center for Women, McNeil Island Corrections Center, and Stafford Creek Corrections Center.

Preparing for Release allows offenders and their family members to identify fears and expectations regarding release. They are encouraged to discuss these concerns with volunteers. Often times, offenders and family discover they share the same worries and concerns, but have not felt comfortable discussing them over the telephone or during visits while children are present.

For many, being released from prison is almost as stressful as being incarcerated.  Preparing for Release helps offenders reduce their fear of the unknown and convert their concerns into goals. As a result, offender’s chances of a successful re-entry are increased.  This program prepares both the offender and the family for such a major change in both their lives.

“The Preparing for Release program not only supports the Re-entry Initiative, but is also 100 percent supportive of family reunification” said Corrections Specialist Joenne Harrhy.

Preparing for Release consists of four, four-hour sessions. Offenders are required to attend all four, while the family members are invited to the second and fourth sessions. The offenders are provided with a workbook they are required to fill out. Completing the workbook helps them recognize their thoughts and feelings about release and prepares them for sharing these thoughts with family. 

“Preparing for Release provides a structure for offenders and family members to talk about real life concerns within the relative safety of a supportive classroom environment,” said Volunteer John Peterson.

Peterson and his wife, Sylvia, assist offenders and their family members throughout the program.  Both are equally passionate about the program and the need to treat the “whole” person, not just the incarcerated individual. 

Preparing for Release is offered to offenders who have a family member interested and available for participation. Those offenders whose criminal history prohibits them from reuniting with their family are prohibited from participating in this program. Ideally, offenders are within 6-12 months of release.

State, Local and Elected Officials Talk about Re-entry

B. Diane Williams, President of the Chicago-based Safer Foundation at Re-entry Symposium

The message at the Department of Corrections’ statewide symposium on offender re-entry last month was that it takes partnerships to make re-entry successful.

Re-entry is not just a corrections issue. Successful re-entry requires effective partnerships between government and non-government agencies, communities and families, employers, and faith based programs. All must do their part to aid in the successful re-entry of offenders and make the community safer.

The diverse group of approximately 250 criminal justice and community leaders gathered to hear nationally recognized experts speak on re-entry.

 
Several symposium speakers recognized the importance of family support in the effort to prevent offenders from returning to lives of crime after release from prison or jail.

“Families are pro-social leverage to help offenders and they provide great strength,” said Thomas MacLellan, program director of the National Governor’s Association Center for Best Practices. “When you leverage families and social networks you get a better outcome.” 

“You cannot have successful re-entry without acknowledging people who are touched by it, such as family and friends,” said B. Diane Williams, President of the Chicago-based Safer Foundation. “These offenders left with a family; so family must be prepared and taught how to be supportive when they return.”

In addition to integrating offender family members and friends in each offender’s re-entry plan, employment also is crucial in an offender’s successful re-entry.

“It’s difficult for families and friends to welcome offenders home when they feel like they are a big burden because of joblessness,” said Williams.

The Safer Foundation’s Williams noted that people often prefer to avoid risk when considering efforts such as improving an offender’s chances of remaining crime free.

“Re-entry must be a balance of risk, investment and return,” Williams said. “None of this comes without risk and it’s not perfect so we must all do the best we can and manage hiccups as best we can.”

Ex-offender Speaks of Successful Re-entry Symposium

Marlin and Jackie Henderson at Re-entry Symposium

Marlin Henderson says he isn’t living just for himself any longer. These days, he is trying to set a good example for his son—the same son he left to serve almost a year in prison.

“The most difficult part was coming home to a son who didn’t know me—things were easier when I didn’t care about life,” said Henderson.

Henderson, who was once caught up in gangs and drugs, now has a life worth caring for. He has been out of prison for nearly eight years and is very involved in his church--working as a pastor.  Additionally, Henderson works in domestic programs with at-risk youths in Tacoma. He plans to attend school next spring to study sociology and criminal justice.  Henderson has a loving, supportive wife and 3 children.

Looking at him today, one wouldn’t think Henderson had run-ins with the law.  But he recently told his story, with his wife Jackie by his side, at the DOC’s statewide Re-entry Symposium Oct. 11 in SeaTac.  Henderson, along with 3 other ex-offenders, shared their stories with hundreds of criminal justice and community leaders.

“Finally admitting to having an anger problem during my fifth anger management class and being very open to change made a big difference in my re-entry,” said Henderson.

Henderson credits the job readiness class he attended while incarcerated at the Washington State Penitentiary for preparing him for his job search and interviews once sent to work release. Correctional Officers also played positive roles by encouraging him to leave a gang and become a Christian. Support from DOC staff, members of his church, and community groups were the most important factors in his successful re-entry.

Henderson advises offenders to take charge of their own lives, beginning while incarcerated.  He suggests asking the proper questions and accessing the help that is available in the prison systems. 

“I came to the realization that I could change if I wanted to and chose to take another path in life, understanding that all that I do on this earth is for those to come after I’m gone,” said Henderson.  “I decided I could either make a difference for the better or worse and I already did the worse, so I gave the better a try and can’t stop.”

Improved Emergency Communications Vehicle Ready to Roll

Emergency Operations Team in front of the new emergency communications vehicle

A new Washington State Department of Corrections emergency communications vehicle might one day be used to help save lives during natural disasters or other non-DOC incidents and significant events around the state.

The primary purpose of DOC’s Mobile Operations, Command & Communications (MOCC) vehicle is to provide support to on-scene incident command operations and assist with additional communications support at DOC facilities during emergencies. The vehicle is also designed to provide an alternate Incident Command Post as needed.  However, it can also be used in other emergency situations if requested by local, state or federal authorities.

In most emergency situations, multiple agencies respond. Oftentimes, the radio equipment and signals used to communicate differ from agency to agency. The MOCC serves as a kind of radio-signal translator, allowing everyone to hear and talk to everyone else.

The MOCC also fills gaps in radio/communications coverage areas. If response teams are deployed to areas away from the incident, the MOCC allows them to stay in contact.

MOCC replaces the Mobile Emergency Response Vehicle (MERV), which has been used by the department since 2002. MERV was a converted camper, and although it worked properly during exercises, it was not able to efficiently carry all the heavy equipment needed. As a result, MERV incurred additional maintenance costs to replace wheels, brakes and worn out engine parts.

Emergency Operations Manager Tomas Fithian and Mobile Technology Unit Supervisor Jose Zuniga spent more than two years designing and outfitting MOCC with maintenance and operational considerations in mind. Not only can MOCC carry all the weight necessary, but if the vehicle carrying the MOCC wears out, the modular equipment package can be removed and put on another chassis.

The MOCC will be housed at DOC headquarters in Tumwater. A radio operator and two support staff are designated MOCC responders and will participate in incidents and significant events statewide. The new vehicle is being finalized and should be operational as early as November 21st. 

New Correctional Industries Director Announced

Effective December 1, Lyle Morse will become the Department of Corrections’ new Director for Correctional Industries.

Morse has been a Correctional Manager at Correctional Industries for the past six months. He came to DOC with over 37 years of high level business management experience, including the founder and CEO of a Seattle furniture manufacturing business, a founding member and Vice Chair on the Board of Directors for a local community bank, and the Chair and CEO of a local brewery. 

Morse received a bachelor’s degree from Western Washington University, where he majored in Political Science.  Morse is well-known across the state for his involvement with higher education and the banking industry.

Correctional Industries’ operations within the state correctional facilities are supported by sales to state agencies, county and local governments, and not-for-profit organizations. Correctional Industries offers thousands of offenders work experience and training.