The normally drab south recreation yard at Santa Barbara County’s Main Jail was transformed into an impromptu celebration space on April 28. Rows of chairs and clusters of green and gold balloons offered a welcome contrast to the beige walls and concrete floors for a unique ceremony held to recognize more than two dozen graduates of the Sheriff’s Treatment Program’s personal development and Criminal and Gang Members Anonymous courses.
The graduation ceremony highlighted the latest cohort of incarcerated students from the Sheriff’s Treatment Program at the county jail, which offers a host of courses ranging from college-credit classes administered in coordination with Santa Barbara City College to book clubs, writing groups, and personal skills courses designed to give participants a strong foundation to rebuild their own lives.
Sheriff’s Treatment Program and Services Manager Alice Perez, who has worked to expand the availability of resources at both county jails, says this most recent group of more than 30 students serves as a testament to the importance of investing in restorative programs. The students who were celebrated in the spring commencement either completed SBCC’s three-unit Stress Management course or earned a certificate through the Criminal and Gang Member Anonymous program.
Graduates sat smiling and posed for photographs as they received certificates of recognition from Sheriff Bill Brown and Custody Commander Selim Celmeta. The students received multiple rounds of applause from community members, jail staff, and program instructors who packed the seats in informal graduation space…