“I just want to thank everyone who dedicates and spends time on the inside. Prison walls were built to keep the inmates confined and the public out, but we can’t change lives without letting the public in, so the walls remain, but the public’s involvement is so necessary. Continue the great work and thank you thank you thank you.”  ~from CRCI staff

OHOM’s longest running program was suspended this year due to staffing issues at Two Rivers Correctional. I sat down with the Superintendent to brainstorm ideas of how we could retain access with as little strain on the staff as possible. She regailed me with stories of closing units and doubling up occupancy, mandatory overtime and staff missing their kid’s soccer games, half of the staff being up for retirement in the next two years (herself included), and the new psych required evaluation. I could feel her burden. I left there saddened that we would not be allowed back inside until the staffing issue was resolved.

Here’s the job posting for Correctional Officer in Umatilla. They are offering relocation assistance.

We truly miss our friends housed at TRCI. And we sincerely hope that everyone receives the support they need. We are waiting in the wings and ready to re-engage when we are called.

         ~Carla Grant, OHOM Executive Director