Contra Costa County Children to Enjoy Toys Refurbished by Inmates

For the 24th straight year, representatives from a few dozen Contra Costa County children-serving agencies were on hand at the Marsh Creek Detention Facility’s woodshop to choose toys handcrafted and bicycles refurbished by the inmates. The presents will be given to the children who are being served by these agencies during the upcoming holidays. The Marsh Creek Detention Facility inmates have participated in this project during the year, fixing up used bikes to look and ride like brand new and building beautiful wooden toys, such as, ball-and-cup games, sailboats, wooden puzzles, spinning carousels, cars, train sets, and more. The toy makers and/or bike mechanics are students in the Contra Costa Adult School, an accredited school directed by the Contra Costa County Office of Education (CCCOE), located within the jail facility.

Many of the current inmates decorated the woodshop to look like Santa’s Workshop, with its festive decorations and Christmas trees, while showcasing the beautiful toys and bikes. Along with the non-profit-agency representatives picking out presents, numerous county members of law enforcement and education were on hand. The morning featured remarks made by Contra Costa County UnderSheriff Mike Casten and Contra Costa County Superintendent of Schools-elect Karen Sakata. Both speakers thanked all those involved and reminded the attendees what a special partnership this program has been over the past 24 years.

CCCOE Principal of Student Program Angela Hatter reported that there were approximately 500 toys and bikes ready for the children. “We are in the process of hiring a new instructor and creating new computer-education and construction/carpentry-training programs, says Hatter. We also hope to expand the toy making and bicycle restoration program, as well. This is a wonderful way for the two agencies and the inmates to give back to our community.”

Non-profit organizations participating in this special event included: Bay Area Rescue Mission, Brighter Beginnings, Contra Costa County Early Start Program, Contra Costa County Independent Living Skills Program, Contra Costa County Public Works Dept., El Cerrito Fire Dept, Kids at Work, Lynn Center, Shelter Inc, STAND!, The Salvation Army-Antioch Corps, Ujima Family Recovery Services/La Casa, and VESTIA.

ADDITIONAL NOTES:

During the 2013-14 school year, approximately 2,763 inmates (throughout the three Contra Costa detention facilities) were enrolled in classes ranging from academic programs, including basic literacy and GED preparation, to vocational programs, including woodshop, construction, and state-of-the-art computer training. By the end of the school year, 37 student-inmates received their GED and 22 received a high school diploma, and 24 students passed the California High School Exit Exam. In addition, there were 670 students who demonstrated learning gains in reading or math, and 939 students earned a certificate of completion in computer applications. Another course directed by the CCCOE is the DEUCE Program (Deciding, Educating, Understanding, Counseling, and Evaluation). These three-part classes (90 days) focus on substance abuse prevention. Last year, 1,839 students completed at least one of the three phases, and 357 students graduated from DEUCE. The Parenting Inside/Out class teaches vital parenting skills to women and men, with 37 certificates issued last school year. Last year, the CCCOE opened a new re-entry class at the West County Detention Facility. The re-entry class offers workforce readiness, career exploration, soft skills workshops and a nine-week cognitive-behavior-change program called Transitions. Currently, 32 inmates are enrolled in the re-entry course.

These classes help to provide education and skills needed for successful transition back into the community.

COEGrp photo IDs:

Contra Costa County Office of Education staff members back left to right:

Angela Hatter, Principal; Lindy Khan, Director, Adult Correctional Education; Karen Sakata, Superintendent-elect, Contra Costa County.

Inmate toy builders (left to right) Brandon, Shawn and Patrick.

Patrick takes pride in his contribution to building and painting the hand made toys.

Photo credit: Diane Morrell, Contra Costa County Office of Education