Making 

Changes

FEDERAL BUREAU OF PRISONS
Supporting 

a successful 

transition to the community is central 

to the mission of the Bureau of Prisons. 

Read about some of the ways the 

Bureau protects public safety by helping 

inmates prepare for productive, crime-free lives 

after release.

A Program of Hope, FCI Cumberland

FEDERAL BUREAU OF PRISONS

Making 

Changes
Seeking Transformation 

Behind Bars MAN program has 

positive impact on men’s lives

It began with one inmate’s vision to help his peers transform themselves 

by renewing their minds. Inmate Antonio Oesby, alongside Counselor Paul 

Marerro, developed the Mentality Adjustment Now (MAN) program at FCI 

Hazelton. The program, currently in its third class, focuses on developing 

a healthy and cohesive sense of self by encouraging inmates to share 

personal stories to increase their own awareness of emotions and thoughts. 

Participating men recognize and confront underlying issues, and learn how to 

respond in a positive manner. The group meets once a week for 12-weeks and 

focuses on forgiveness, encouragement, 

decision-making, anger, resentment, and 

dignity. The final session of the program 

focuses on the future and creating a 

positive path forward. 

The change is real as noted by inmate 

Mark Thompson, a recent graduate, who describes the course as “ripping the 

blanket off of the past and facing it head on.” Another recent graduate, inmate 

Dean Winslade, sums up his experience by saying “forgiveness is freedom” 

and he has learned to make his incarceration a more “redemptive time.” 

FCI Memphis Inmates 

Give Back Inmates serving long sentences 

mentor younger inmates

Some FCI Memphis inmates are working hard to help others learn from their 

mistakes. Mentors For Life, is the brain child of inmates Theodore Varner, 

Philander Butler, and Associate Wardens Dewayne Hendrix and Robert Stock. 

In 2013, realizing they had several decades to serve in prison, Mr. Varner 

and Mr. Butler wanted to help young inmates understand the importance of 

changing their behavior and their thinking 

patterns in order to change their destiny. 

Under the direction of Bobby Hager, Reentry 

Coordinator, Mr. Varner and Mr. Butler began 

hosting weekly meetings with approximately 

20 inmates, to share their life stories and 

encourage the younger inmates to take a 

different path. Since that time, the program has grown in popularity and now is 

a 10 week program offered throughout the year. More than 100 inmates have 

successfully completed the program.

...encourage the 

younger inmates to 

take a different path.

...focuses on developing 

a healthy and cohesive 

sense of self...
A Program of Hope 

 FCI Cumberland Hosts a unique summer camp

In August, 2015, twelve children ages 9 - 14 spent five hours a day with 

their dads working on art projects, playing games, dancing, writing poetry and 

strengthening relationships. The fathers are inmates at the Federal Correctional 

Institution, Cumberland, Maryland, who were selected to participate in an 

annual arts-based father and child summer camp. 

The five-day camp brings in local artists to help fathers and children create an 

“art story” of their lives. Each family paints a giant (8’x10’) mural that depicts 

a perfect day together - what would they be doing if dad was not in prison. 

Sometimes the murals portray a positive memory of past activity together. 

Other families choose to create a mural that represents a dream of something 

they would like to do together. This year in addition to visual arts, the families 

worked with a poet to write poetry together. 

While working on the art projects each family has time time to talk and catch 

up on each other’s lives. They share hopes and dreams and often rebuild 

relationships strained and sometimes shattered by incarceration. During the 

past 14 years two children have met their fathers for the first time at camp. 

The camp is sponsored by a DC based organization that helps incarcerated 

dads stay connected to their children. This summer in addition to Cumberland 

both FCI Big Spring and FCI Dublin hosted summer camps.

FPC Montgomery Holds 

Reentry Event Inmates meet with Probation Officers and Assistant US Attorneys

More than one hundred inmates participated in a highly successful reentry 

event at the Federal Prison Camp (FPC) in Montgomery, Alabama. Two 

U.S. Probation Officers, and two U.S. Attorneys from the District of Georgia 

facilitated the event, focused on the importance of 

inmates changing their lives while in prison. 

After the presentation, the panel met with 

approximately 25 inmates who are releasing to 

the Middle District of Georgia. The panelists met 

with inmates, one-on-one, to discuss issues or 

concerns the inmates raised relating to release. 

Some of the inmates asked general questions 

regarding courses they could take while still in prison (or at an RRC) that would 

better enable them to obtain employment when released, and they also 

inquired about employers in Georgia that would hire ex-felons. 

...focused on the 

importance of 

inmates changing 

their lives while in 

prison.
Keeping the Wheels Turning 

Marion inmates refurbish bikes for the community

Inmates at the United States Penitentiary (USP) satellite camp in Marion, 

Illinois, are helping to provide bicycles to children in the community. The 

institution partners with a local not-for-profit organization that provides safety 

classes and free bikes to children. 

Inmates inspect used bikes provided by the 

local organization, checking the safety of parts 

such as the brakes, chain, tires and steering. 

The inmates then make any needed repairs; 

each bicycle is essentially rebuilt by the time it 

leaves USP Marion. “This program gives the 

inmates vocational training that can be used 

upon release,” said Aubray Bailey, the Executive 

Assistant and Camp Administrator at USP Marion. “It also gives the inmates an 

avenue to give back to the community while they are incarcerated.” 

Since 2010, inmates at the minimum security camp have refurbished over 

3,000 bikes for local children.

“It also gives the 

inmates an avenue 

to give back to the 

community while they 

are incarcerated.”

Women’s Relationships 

Gender-responsive program at FPC Bryan

Female inmates at the Federal Prison Camp, Bryan, Texas, have a unique 

opportunity to address the challenges of incarceration and to address some 

of the issues that led to their involvement in the criminal justice system. To 

date approximately 100 women have participated in the structured intervention 

program entitled “Women’s Relationships.” This program assists female 

inmates in understanding and maintaining healthy connections within and 

outside prison. 

A recent graduate of the program, Dora Arreguy, noted that many of the women 

at Bryan have relationship issues or hurdles to overcome, and she believes the 

class helped each one in a different way: “It helped me realize that I need to do 

what is best for my relationship with myself before I can expect to move forward 

to better relationships with others.” 

Marne Boyle, Warden at Bryan and leader of the treatment group, emphasized 

the need for individual engagement with the inmates: “You can read about 

women all day, but you really get to know them as people and understand their 

struggles when you lead them in programs.” 

Women’s Relationships is an important program for female inmates in the Bureau 

of Prisons, many of whom cite unhealthy relationships as their pathway to prison.
FTC Oklahoma City 

has One-of-a-Kind Mission 

More than 85,000 inmates a year pass through 

the Federal Transfer Center

In 2015, approximately 86,000 inmates passed through the Federal Transfer 

Center (FTC) in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, on the way to their designated 

institutions across the country. Since its activation in 1995, more than 1.7 million 

inmates have been processed through the facility. 

“We are the only institution in the Bureau with this unique, multifaceted 

mission,” said Chad Garrett, the Executive Assistant at FTC Oklahoma City. 

“Operations are busy, with our receiving and discharge section processing 

inmates 24 hours a day, 5 days a week.” 

The FTC temporarily houses approximately 1,500 male and female inmates with 

an average stay of approximately 30 days. There are 175 low security inmates 

designated to the FTC to perform a range of duties throughout the facility. 

FTC Oklahoma City is located at the Will Rogers World Airport and is an integral 

component of the U.S. Marshals’ prisoner operations. The FTC works closely 

with the USMS’ Justice Prisoner & Alien Transportation System (JPATS), which 

is responsible for coordinating the transfer of inmates throughout the country. 

The Federal Bureau of Prisons currently has 122 institutions nationwide; however 

FTC Oklahoma City is the only one of its kind with its unique and vital mission.

More Access to Reentry 

Information for Inmates and 

Others Inmates to be provided with 

community-specific resource information

The Bureau of Prisons has provided inmates a new opportunity to access 

information critical to making release plans. Inmates can now access the Fair 

Shake Reentry Resource Center’s information on a DVD being provided to each 

federal prison at no cost. The DVD contains community-specific resources on 

employment, housing, healthcare, transportation, food, clothing, and benefits. 

Fair Shake resources are also accessible via the organization’s internet website 

for friends and families to access https://www.fairshake.net. 

The Bureau of Prisons does not endorse or support the information or services 

offered by any organization. 
Secure STAGES Evidence-Based Treatment for Successful Management

of Mental Illness

Maximum security inmates with personality disorders and a history of 

self-injurious behavior or with a history of not functioning effectively in a prison 

setting have new programming opportunities in federal prisons. The Secure 

STAGES Program, modeled after the Stages Program that was developed at 

the Federal Correctional Complex (FCC) Terre Haute, has been expanded to 

the United States Penitentiary (USP) Florence where it has been well received. 

This residential treatment program targets inmates who have historically 

been difficult to manage in the prison environment, and provides them an 

opportunity to address their mental illness and learn skills needed to function 

effectively in prison and the community. 

Secure STAGES has a locked side and an open 

side, thereby allowing inmates to participate in 

treatment while they are enhancing their ability 

to function in a more open setting. While in 

the program, which lasts for a minimum of 

12 months, inmates learn to manage intense 

emotions, use rational thinking, and build 

positive relationships.

Aaron Stone, one of the 12 participants in the program at USP Florence, finds 

the program extremely beneficial: “[The] Secure STAGES Program has been 

everything to me; given me hope and optimism for the future.” Brian Murray, 

another participant, also finds the program effective: “Secure STAGES is highly 

beneficial to one’s needs to gain the proper tools to join society and to be 

productive while incarcerated.”

...provides them 

an opportunity to 

address their mental 

illness and learn skills 

needed to function 

effectively...
Inmates Commit 

to be Fit Working Toward 

a Healthy Lifestyle

A group of inmates at the Federal Correctional Institution in Cumberland, 

Maryland are helping other inmates be healthier and more physically fit. The 

Recreation and Health Services staff at FCI Cumberland are working with 

inmate instructors to teach inmates about the risks associated with a sedentary 

lifestyle and show inmates how to be more active 

and productive. Inmates participate in the Weight 

Management class where they learn the principles 

of healthy weight loss, the importance of a healthy 

exercise routine, nutrition and dietary needs and how 

to improve their overall nutritional health. Mr. Phares 

is a shining example of what can be accomplished 

with hard work and a commitment to change. He was a participant in the 

Introduction to Weight Management program from January 2014 through 

Summer 2015; he lost 28 pounds, and makes healthy food selections during 

mainline and better choices from the commissary. Mr. Phares says he is the 

healthiest he has been since the beginning of his incarceration.

...show inmates 

how to be more 

active and 

productive.

Recidivism Data Shows 

16% Decline New USSC Data Reflects Recidivism Down

On March 9, 2015, the United States Sentencing Commission (USSC), 

released a comprehensive report on recidivism among federal offenders. 

Their report focused on the number of inmates from 2005 that were rearrested 

within eight years for a new crime or for a violation of the conditions of their 

probation or release Recidivism is most commonly defined as rearrest for 

a new crime or revocation of supervision within three years after release 

from prison. While not published in the USSC report, at the request of the 

Bureau, the USSC reported this traditional recidivism measure: only 33.7% of 

the inmates released from the Bureau of Prisons in 2005 were rearrested or 

had their supervision revoked over a three year period. This figures reflects a 

16% decline compared to historic Bureau of Prisons rates of recidivism and 

compares favorably to the rate of 67.8 percent average rate across the largest 

states.The staff in the Bureau of Prisons work with inmates from the first day 

of incarceration to prepare for a successful return to the community; these 

efforts are paying off. The complete USSC report can be viewed here:

http://www.ussc.gov/news/press-releases-and-news-advisories/march-9-2016
Hidden Art 

Locked Away Inmates Take Pride in their Creativity

USP Leavenworth inmates Terry Manning and 

John Glenn take pride in working with other inmates 

to develop their creative talents. Through a 12-week 

course, supervised by Recreation Supervisor Terence 

Avery, these two men teach other inmates how to 

make beautiful craft items. Many of the items are 

given to children at a local children’s hospital in Kansas 

City, and other items are displayed at an annual community art show. USP 

Leavenworth inmates have had items in the show for more than 35 years. This 

year inmates displayed 69 paintings, 15 drawings, and 91 leather-craft items. 

The show, “Hidden Art Locked Away,” was held on February 2, 2016 at a local 

community center in Leavenworth, Kansas.

Partnership 

in Policy Reaches 

Milestone 100 Policies Issued 

 in Under Three Years

The Bureau of Prison’s labor and management Partnership reached 

another major milestone this week when the 100th policy was published 

in three years. These 100 new policies represent more than a quarter of all 

the agency’s existing policies, and more than 30 additional policies are in 

development. 

In late 2013, the Bureau’s Executive Staff and the Council of Prison Locals 

agreed on the formation of nine Joint Policy Committees (JPCs) to reinvigorate 

the policy development process in the agency. These JPCs have worked 

tirelessly to produce more policies in three years than had been done in the 

prior decade. Congratulations to everyone involved in policy development, and 

especially to the members of the JPCs whose dedication to the principles of 

Partnership have put the Bureau’s policy process firmly back on track. 

...working with 

other inmates 

to develop their 

creative talents.
Milking Every Opportunity 

for Successful Reentry 

 Inmates learn farming skills at FCI El Reno

Dairy farming is not typically associated with prison life. But for many inmates 

at the FCI El Reno Satellite Camp, milking cows, bottle feeding newborn calves 

and tending to the herd are part of a daily routine that helps prepare them for 

viable job opportunities upon reentry into their communities.

Inmates working at the FCI El Reno dairy learn skills 

from Federal Prison Industries staff, all of whom 

have farming backgrounds. Dairy Farmer Foreman 

George Wylie enjoys teaching inmates the skills he 

learned working on family farms and for major farming 

companies. Inmate Christopher Prado hopes to turn 

this experience into a job working on one of the many 

dairy farms near his home; an opportunity he passed up as a child, while his 

grandfather owned a beef cattle operation. Another inmate, Stefan James, 

has obtained a Commercial Driver License during incarceration and currently 

delivers milk to 18 institutions in the South Central Region. He plans to 

continue working as a truck driver when he is released.

The dairy operation at El Reno includes 490 dairy cows and produces 

approximately 3,100 gallons of milk each day. 

Insight A new tool for case managers 

Starting next month, some case managers will have a new tool to create 

individualized reentry plans for inmates. And, for the first time, treatment staff 

and work detail supervisors will have an automated way to provide input to the 

case managers who prepare the plans. 

These tools, Insight, and the companion program Feedback, are fully integrated 

with the on-line information system used by the Bureau of Prisons to provide 

its operational and management information requirements (SENTRY) and 

have been developed collaboratively by management and labor. A Joint Policy 

Committee (JPC), with participants from the Information, Policy and Public 

Affairs (IPPA), Reentry Services, and Correctional Programs Divisions, along 

with Subject Matter Experts from various field sites have been involved in 

every step of the development process. 

In addition to creating progress reviews and reports, staff will use Insight 

to prepare Residential Reentry Center Referrals and other types of release 

packets. Staff will route documents electronically, including submitting the 

packet to the appropriate Residential Reentry Management Office. 

Insight is operational at the Low Security Correctional Institution, Allenwood, 

Pennsylvania. The system will be rolled out to the Allenwood complex next 

month and eventually throughout the agency. 

...helps prepare 

them for viable 

job opportunities 

upon reentry....
FPC Alderson’s 

All-Female Inmate 

Fire Brigade 

 Inmate fire brigade protects federal property and assists the local community

Last year, the Bureau’s only female inmate fire brigade responded to 

a church fire in Alderson, West Virginia. With the assistance of the inmate 

firefighters, the three other responding fire crews were able to contain the 

fire to one room of the church, with only smoke and water damage to the 

remaining areas. Thanks to the quick actions of the skilled firefighting crew, the 

church was preserved. 

The Alderson Federal Prison Camp (FPC) Federal Fire Department 25 

provides firefighting services for the Camp, as well as being a backup for 

local volunteer fire departments in the community. The FPC trains an allvolunteer, all-female inmate fire brigade, and 

has been doing so for over 38 years. Each 

year, approximately 25 inmates are selected 

from the list of volunteers and assigned to 

the FPC Alderson Fire Department. They are 

screened for the program and receive the same 

training, instruction, and certifications required 

of volunteer fire fighters in the community. 

In addition to giving back to the community, 

inmates learn valuable skills that can assist 

them in making a successful transition back 

into the community.

In addition to 

giving back to the 

community, inmates 

learn valuable skills 

that can assist them 

in making a successful 

transition back into 

the community.
Reducing, Reusing or Recycling

FCI Marianna inmates

help recycle tons of material

In 2015, FCI Marianna prevented nearly 8 million pounds of materials from 

being sent to the landfill by using its recycling program run by Federal Prison 

Industries (also known as UNICOR). Inmates at the Florida institution were 

able to successfully recycle nearly 94 percent of the materials received into the 

program that may have otherwise been sent to nearby landfills. 

The UNICOR program recycles electronics, cardboard, aluminum and many 

other metals. Female inmates at the adjacent minimum security satellite camp 

sort through most incoming shipments first; however, some shipments are 

sent directly to the male inmates at 

the FCI. During the separating process, 

inmates remove all recyclable materials, 

such as wiring, mother boards, plastic, 

gold, and copper. The materials are then 

sorted by type, and sent out to vendors 

who have purchased the recyclables 

from UNICOR. Materials which cannot 

be recycled are then sent to the landfill. 

In this age of diminishing resources, tight budgets, and environmental 

concerns, staff and inmates in FCI Marianna’s recycling program are working 

together to reduce the amount of material sent to landfills and to improve the 

world we live in.

...successfully recycle 

nearly 94 percent of the 

materials received into 

the program that may 

have otherwise been 

sent to nearby landfills.
Inside-Out 

Prison Exchange Program 

 Focusing on Reentry from the Inside-Out

In 2010, FCC Hazelton became the first BOP institution to host the Inside-Out 

Prison Exchange Program that allows prisoners and college students to benefit 

from studying crime, justice and related social issues together as peers. Over 

the past 5 1/2 years, 115 inmates (male and female) have participated, along 

with over 150 college students from West Virginia University and Fairmont 

State University. The inmates and college students meet once per week, for 

an entire semester, reading text books and writing 

papers. In addition, the class develops a project, 

generally geared toward re-entry initiatives. 

The Inside-Out program enables college students 

to gain perspective on the criminal justice system, and inmates an opportunity to place their life 

experiences in a larger framework. Inmate participant Dwight Harrison from 

FCC Hazleton, views Inside-Out as an “opportunity to be part of the solution 

of our failures” and thinks of it as an “extension of usefulness in a world full of 

learned helplessness.” 

In 2013, Inside-Out was implemented at FCI Morgantown, and now, nearing 

the end of its 4th class, 31 WVU students and 31 inmates have participated.

...an “opportunity 

to be part of the 

solution of our 

failures”...

Hope for Integration

Reintegration Housing Unit (RHU)

FCC Oakdale’s Reintegration Housing Unit (RHU) helps protective custody 

inmates learn to live in open prison populations. Specifically, inmates are taught 

about anxiety management, relationship building and self-confidence. 

RHU targets inmates who have difficulty 

functioning in the prison environment and 

have fears of being around other inmates. 

Participants complete three phases of 

programming which lasts for a minimum of 6 

months in a dedicated unit, apart from the rest 

of the inmate population. 

The program currently is being expanded to USP Atwater and USP Coleman I.

Inmate Thomas McDonald, one of the graduates and currently a program mentor 

in the RHU, explained that the unit provides a “safe environment to learn how to 

think rationally, and overcome adversity. It taught me about my hidden strengths 

and to equip me to make a positive reintegration back to society.”

“It taught me about my 

hidden strengths and 

to equip me to make a 

positive reintegration 

back to society.”
Veterans Live 

and Learn Together 

 FCI Morgantown paves path for successful reentry

Inmate-veterans at the Federal Correctional Institution, Morgantown, 

WV, have their own living space, where they participate in programming 

conducted by volunteers from local support agencies. They receive assistance 

in obtaining medical and military records, health benefits, employment needs, 

and VA pension rules. Special classes are conducted in Anger Management, 

PTSD, Life Experiences, Readjustment, Relationships and Life Skills. 

Currently, there are inmate-veterans representing the Army, Navy, Air Force 

and Marines, residing in the Veterans’ Wing. The program is facilitated by 

John Gribble and Brian Plavi, both Correctional Counselors and military 

veterans themselves. 

Inmate-veterans who reside in the 

Veterans’ Wing have the opportunity to 

become certified service dog trainers. 

Through the Veterans-to-Veterans 

Service Dog Program , in collaboration 

with West Virginia University’s (WVU) 

Division of Animal and Nutritional 

Sciences Department and Hearts of Gold Service Dog Certification Program, 

inmate-veteran dog trainers can achieve various levels of certification. Once 

training is complete, the dogs are placed with veterans in the community who 

have mobility impairments and/or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). 

Inmate-veterans George Cannady and Tony Newton, are dog trainers, and 

agree that the Veterans Program at FCI Morgantown provides them with 

a “sense of comradeship with others who are former military,” and the 

opportunity to “obtain up-to-date information on benefits and services offered 

by the Veterans’ Administration.” Since the program’s inception in 2011, more 

than 350 veteran-inmates have benefited from this unique program.

FCI Morgantown provides 

them with a “sense of 

comradeship with others 

who are former military,”
Inmates Receive VT Certification

 Program Provides Inmates with Reentry Opportunities

Last year, 53 out of 57 inmates enrolled in the building trades program

at the Federal Correctional Institution, Phoenix, Arizona, passed the Vocational 

Training (VT) exam provided by the National Occupational Competency Testing 

Institute (NOCTI); this is a higher passing rate than the national average! 

Through 240 hours of coursework, inmates learn a 

variety of skills that can lead to high paying jobs in the 

community, including careers in carpentry, electrical, 

and plumbing. Students who pass the NOCTI test are 

placed in a national registry database with the Home 

Builders Association that enables future employers to 

verify individual’s credentials when he or she is applying for employment. The registry also allows individuals to post a resume online that will reach a national audience of future employers (inmates have access to this service after release to the community). 

Inmate Jardon Laforcarde, noted that the training improves job prospects 

because of “the amount of hands on experience we receive and receiving an 

industry recognized certificate.” VT Instructor Joe Kavenaugh is certified to 

proctor exams through the National Home Builders Association and National 

Occupational Career Training Institute. His certification, advanced skills, and 

expertise has a positive impact on this reentry VT program.

Big Spring Staff 

Save Inmate’s Life 

Training helps first responders be prepared

On February 27, 2016, staff at the Federal Correctional Institution in Big 

Spring, Texas saved the life on an inmate who had suffered a heart attack. 

Recreation Specialists Kerry Edwards Jr., Ronald Barber, Concepcion Serrato 

and Senior Officer Specialist John Meyer responded to a call for a medical 

emergency, and upon arriving at the scene they found an inmate lying on the 

floor, unresponsive. They immediately began to administer CPR and called for 

medical support. The nurse on duty, Alison Murphree, responded and used an 

automated external defibrillator (AED) and provided oxygen to the inmate who 

had known to suffer from cardiac issues. Emergency Medical Technicians from 

the community arrived within 12 minutes and were able to transfer the inmate 

to a local hospital in stable condition. 

The staff at Big Spring worked as a team during the medical emergency and 

used the CPR and other training they are provided at the institution to save a life. ...inmates learn a 

variety of skills that 

can lead to high 

paying jobs in the 

community...
Cooking Up Change

 FCI Fort Dix partnership supports reentry efforts

Camp inmates at the Federal Correctional Institution, Fort Dix, New Jersey 

participate in a unique culinary arts program that not only prepares them for 

potential careers, but also provides valuable life skills. 

This training program has an 81 percent job placement 

rate in the food service industry. 

The program begins with two weeks of training 

focusing on life skills, job preparation, and personal 

finance. The inmates then participate in the 14-week 

culinary arts vocational training program. Upon completion, the inmates also 

participate in an internship in the community. The class valedictorian for this 

program has been a BOP inmate in each of the three graduating classes since 

Fort Dix began participating. Inmate Zarwea Sehneah said the program, “is a 

great place to help start over again. You just don’t learn how to cook, you learn 

how to approach life.” Inmate Ali Burke states, “It is an outstanding program that 

I plan to use to hopefully start a new career in culinary arts.”

“You just don’t 

learn how to cook, 

you learn how to 

approach life.”

Lessons for Success 

Former Edgefield Inmate

Returns to Talk about RDAP

Former inmate Walter Pavlo completed the Residential Drug Abuse 

Program (RDAP) in 2003 and since that time has devoted his life to assisting 

others on both sides of the fence. 

Mr. Pavlo recently returned to the Satellite 

Prison Camp at Edgefield and spoke to 

current RDAP inmates. “My participation 

in RDAP represented the first time in my 

entire life that I really reflected on my life, 

both the good and the bad.” One of his 

most important messages to the current inmates was to start preparing for 

release as soon as you arrive, through whatever means are available. “The 

lessons I learned during RDAP helped when I needed patience to continue 

to recover from the mistakes that I made and prepare for the successes that 

were ahead and the people I met during RDAP, both inmates and staff, made 

me a better person than the one who entered prison.” 

The lessons learned by Mr. Pavlo helped him become a successful 

entrepreneur. He has been invited to speak to the FBI, US Attorney’s Office, 

major corporations and at over 100 colleges and universities, and he has had 

guest appearances on many television shows.

“...the first time in my 

entire life that I really 

reflected on my life, both 

the good and the bad.”
Driving Reentry Home

 Former Petersburg inmate enjoys the success of his efforts

Johnny Sauls was an inmate at the Federal Prison Camp in Petersburg, 

Virginia in 2011 when he obtained his Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). 

In September 2015, he returned to the Federal Correctional Complex (FCC) 

Petersburg to share his reentry success story at the CDL Recognition 

Ceremony, inspiring inmates currently in the program. 

In 2010, FCC Petersburg began piloting the 

CDL Program. After obtaining his CDL (the 

first inmate to do so), Mr. Sauls became 

the lead instructor for the institution’s CDL 

program, while still incarcerated at the 

camp. He provided general knowledge 

and classroom instruction on pre-trip 

inspections, air brakes, and behind-thewheel driving. He assisted more than 

50 inmates in studying and preparing to 

obtain their Class A and B licenses, before 

he was transferred to a Residential Reentry Center (RRC) in North Carolina. 

Within two weeks of his arrival at the RRC, Mr. Sauls obtained a job with a 

trucking company. He is currently working full time, receiving health benefits 

for himself and his family, and has obtained his Hazmat Endorsement. When 

speaking of his time in the Bureau of Prisons, Mr. Sauls said, “The CDL is one 

of the best programs that the BOP had to offer. It gave me a sense of hope, 

accomplishment and ultimately a career in the trucking industry.”

Since the inception of the program at FCC Petersburg, more than 100 inmates 

have obtained their Commercial Driver’s License and with it, the potential for 

their own successful reentry.

“The CDL is one of 

the best programs 

that the BOP had 

to offer. It gave me 

a sense of hope, 

accomplishment...”
FCI Morgantown 

OSHA Training 

 Course Provides Inmates Completion Card

On March 24, 2016, twenty-five (25) inmates at FCI Morgantown completed 

the institution’s inaugural offering of OSHA-10. The Occupational Safety and 

Health Administration (OSHA) Outreach Training Program provides training 

to individuals in the recognition, avoidance, abatement, and prevention of 

safety and health hazards in the workplace. Among the courses offered in this 

program is “OSHA 10,” which helps to ensure that entry-level workers are 

more knowledgeable about workplace hazards and their rights. OSHA issues 

to inmates who complete the course a course completion card, which is evidence to potential employers of course completion. 

The OSHA Training Program is made 

available in partnership with the West 

Virginia University (WVU) Safety & 

Health Extension Department and 

OSHA. Stephen Fazenbaker, Safety 

Compliance Specialist and Authorized 

OSHA-10 Instructor, hopes to offer this 

course on a monthly basis. 

Roger Alan Cornelison, an inmate who has completed numerous programs 

and courses during his time in prison and who was among the twenty-five (25) 

inmates recently completing the course, states: “The OSHA-10 course is one 

of the most informative, beneficial courses being offered, and it’s nice to have 

the course completion card as tangible proof of my completion of the course, 

as I re-enter the workforce.”

 ...it’s nice to have the 

course completion card 

as tangible proof of my 

completion of the course, as 

I re-enter the workforce.”
The Art of 

the Second Chance 

 FCI Seagoville - Release Portfolio called to Action

Theomas Rhode, Owner and Chief Executive Officer of Ponchaveli 

Studios, released from the Federal Correctional Institution, Seagoville, Texas, 

just 6 years ago. While in prison, Rhodes completed his release portfolio 

(a long standing education department initiative) that began his successful 

transition to the community. 

Shortly after releasing from prison, Mr. 

Rhodes interviewed for a maintenance 

worker position. Despite being told the 

company had a policy against hiring 

people with criminal backgrounds, 

Mr. Rhodes left a copy of his release 

portfolio and thanked the interviewer 

for his time. A few days later, he received a second interview with the Human 

Resources Director. During the interview the HR Director pointed to Mr. 

Rhodes’ criminal history record and said, “you have this, but you also have this 

(pointing at his release portfolio). And this (release portfolio) outweighs this 

(criminal history rap sheet) any day.” She offered him the job, and over time 

Mr. Rhodes was promoted from maintenance worker to leasing agent. 

Over the past six years, Mr. Rhodes has reestablished his relationship with his 

children, and pursued a successful career in art. He credits his artistic talent, 

the programs he took advantage of while he was incarcerated, and his release 

portfolio as essential elements leading to his success.

”And this (release 

portfolio) outweighs this 

(criminal history rap sheet) 

any day.”
Writing Transforms Lives, Federal Prison Camp, Yankton, SD

Writing 

Transforms 

Lives 4 P.M. Count Showcases 

Inmate Creative Writing

Inmates at the Federal Prison Camp, Yankton, SD are coming to terms with 

the decisions that landed them in prison and are growing as individuals thanks 

to a unique writing program. 

Dr. James Reese, Associate Professor of 

English at Mount Marty College in Yankton, and 

Kyle Roberson, Supervisor of Education have 

been collaborating on the program for the past 

nine years. “Writing transforms lives,” says Dr. 

Reese. Inmate Marquise Bowie says that “this 

program has helped in [my] healing process,” 

and he is thankful for the “opportunity to share 

part of [my] personal story in hopes that others can learn from [my] mistakes.” 

The Writer-In-Residence program, that lasts for 9-months and currently has 16 

inmates participating, teaches inmates to communicate through writing, using 

the theory of “transformative justice.” The program culminates in the annual 

publication of 4 P.M. Count, a showcase for the men’s talents. The 2015 

edition features 240 pages of creative work. 

Writer-in-Residence is part of the Artist-in-Residence (AIR) program that 

provides inmates with exposure to professional artists. AIR is funded by 

the National Endowment for the Arts, and is currently running at six 

BOP institutions.

...coming to terms 

with the decisions 

that landed them 

in prison and 

are growing as 

individuals....
Federal Bureau of Prisons 

“Making Changes”

April 2016