NEWSLETTERS PREA Policy Prison Rape Elimination Act Policy BSS has a zero tolerance policy for sexual abuse, sexual assault and sexual harassment of staff and residents in our residential or non-residential programs. At no time is any sexual relationship between staff and residents, residents and residents of a consensual nature. Residents and staff have a right to be free from sexual abuse, sexual assault and sexual harassment. The residents and staff have a right to be free from retaliation for reporting sexual abuse and sexual harassment. BSS encourages any victim of sexual abuse, sexual assault or sexual harassment to report said behavior to any person, BSS staff or not, feels comfortable reporting the information to. BSS facilities have 3rd Party notifications posted on the PREA information board, as well. BSS does not conduct PREA investigations . Any allegation of sexual abuse, sexual assault or sexual harassment will be referred for investigation to the contracting agency (BOP/DOJ or CDCR) and/or local law enforcement to conduct an internal/administrative and/or criminal investigation. (115.222 (b)-1). As contained in the SOW April 2017, revised April 2019, page 21, B. states, “The contractor will not conduct an investigation of any misconduct allegation without the COTR’s approval. This includes questioning the subject of a misconduct allegation. The contractor will advise all employees that they are subject to government investigation if an allegation is made concerning any matter affecting the interests of the government.” Said investigation conducted will follow all PREA guidelines as identified in PREA standards 115.271, 115.272 and 115.273. BSS will post the annual PREA Report in compliance with Department of Justice requirements as defined by PREA standard 115.289. BSS PREA Coordinator, Bari Caine-Lomberto, can be reached at 949-492-3574. BSS 3rd Party Reporters are as follows: Van Nuys – Kim Wynia, DTR Granada Hills, (818) 893-5021 Los Angeles – Kim Wynia, DTR Long Beach, (562)423-6888 Riverside – Jonathan Dolan, Dolan Mental Health Services, (954) 608-1403 Florence – Fast Med Urgent Care, (520) 868-0573 Phoenix – TASC, (602) 254-7328 2016 Annual PREA Report for Website Rubidoux PREA Report 2017 Phoenix PREA Report 2017 Orion PREA Report 2017 Florence PREA Report 2017 Vinewood PREA Report 2017 2014 PREA Reports 2018 Annual PREA Report 2019 Annual PREA Report 2020 Annual PREA Report BSS 2020 PREA Report Phoenix-Roosevelt Final Audit Report 2019 Orion 2020 Final Report Florence RRC 2019 Final Report Rubidoux final PREA report2021 Vinewood Final Audit Report 2021 From the Desk of the President Happy Holidays! It has been quite a year for all of us. For the last nine months, the pandemic has impacted just about everything we do… our work, our home life, our leisure time and our ability to move freely to do as we please. Fortunately, an effective vaccine has been developed that will soon be available to all of us and help us to get back on track and assume our normal routines. During these unprecedented times, I want to thank all of you for going the extra mile this year. For being careful and following the guidelines and directives of our public health professionals. You have all had an impact in slowing things down and your efforts are truly appreciated. I am hopeful that 2021 will be a better year for all of us. Based on what I have recently read and heard, things should start to settle down by late Spring or early Summer of next year. If we all continue to do our part to mask, distance, disinfect, be extra careful, get vaccinated and follow the guidance of the experts, we will get back to some degree of normalcy soon. It has been a total team effort to get through 2020 and I know it hasn’t been easy. Together we will get through this. Thanks for all that you do. Happy Holidays and Happy New Year! Sincerely, Chris Lindholm BSS Update – The EVP’s Corner EVP’s Corner 2020 has been the most challenging year I have ever experienced in my 33 years with BSS, or in my life, for that matter. We have experienced a pandemic, the first in 102 years and in response, made drastic changes to our operations. No matter the challenge, the resultant fear or concern, our staff have risen to the occasion. Our staff never cease to amaze me. Our staff are committed, diligent, effected and possess the greatest team work, bar none. I am humbled by everyone that works for BSS and continues to demonstrate their capacity for excellence. Not only have we, as an agency, been effected by the pandemic, but we have been effected by division and anger in our communities. Our staff did not allow this division to enter into our facilities, always remaining neutral and providing services to our residents, regardless of belief system. Our staff stands tall, stellar and ready to give it all they have for the good of the facilities, the residents, the team members and the community. Exceptional and outstanding are only two of many adjectives I could use to describe my pride in our agency and team. With the vaccine for COVID-19 being distributed, I am hopeful that 2021 will bring a sense of peace, normalcy and provide a light to lift everyone into the next chapter. Thanks to each and every BSS staff! Written by: Bari Caine-Lomberto . Employees of the Year We would like to take the opportunity to congratulate all of the staff highlighted in this section. Great job and great accomplishment! DDP—Highlighted Staff— Leo Ruiz Leo Ruiz started with BSS DDP on 5/17/18 as a Counselor, and in what seemed like no time at all, he demonstrated that he was particularly well suited to helping people recognize and overcome problem behaviors related to alcohol use/abuse. Since his hire, Leo has become a dependable and upright player on our team. He’s very versatile, as he facilitates our Spanish, English and LGBTQ+ classes. Leo’s been an Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) counselor for 7 years and is passionate about helping clients break their criminal cycle, whether it involves getting sober or eliminating impaired driving behaviors. He brings a very enthusiastic vibe into our workplace as soon as he arrives; one that is instantly detectable. His energy is contagious and helps to raise the energy and involvement levels of our clientele. He is a hard worker, a motivated self-starter, and is usually hard at work as soon as he arrives. He has done very well to acclimate himself to DDP’s many different programs and their different requirements and to provide accurate information to our clients about them. We think he’s a great representative of our company, or program and deserving of a nomination for Employee of the Year. Written by: Ryan Diaz, Program Director and Jerry Morris, APD Vinewood RRC—Highlighted Staff— Yoshio Esquivias Yoshio Esquivias has been selected as Vinewood RRC’s Employee of the Year. Yoshio joined BSS Vinewood RRC on February 2013 as Security Monitor. He was promoted to Case Manager July 2014. His transition was smooth and he continued to be dedicated to his duties, just like when he was in the security department. Yoshio is a reliable, punctual and professional staff member. He has adapted to all new processes without any issue. He continues to be open to assist the security department, when needed. He is a great guide and role model for newer staff and residents. Yoshio handles all the worksite and HD visits without error and manages to stay on top of his caseload. His paperwork and files are always neat and easy to work with. His attendance has been impeccable thus far. Lastly, his performance reviews have been exceptional for the past couple of years and we believe merits this 2020 Employee of the Year selection. By: Rommel Dumanil, Program Director Hollywood LTORR—Highlighted Staff— Noemi Godoy Noemi Godoy, has been selected as 2020 Employee of the Year! Noemi returned to BSS after receiving her BA degree and started as Case Worker at the Hollywood LTORR on August 7, 2019. Noemi was then promoted to Job Developer in August 2020. Noemi always comes to work ready to do whatever it takes to get the job done. During the year, Noemi has consistently donned many hats, filling in with the Casework department while staying on top of all Job Developer duties. She is a big help with providing security coverage, and many times delivered food for the kitchen, to Vinewood. In addition, Noemi is involved in decorating for and celebrating every staff birthday and major holiday. She does so much for our residents; she is focused and passionate about helping them achieve the next steps in their lives. Noemi goes above and beyond. She does it all, and does it all with a smile on her face. Written by: Steve Fenner, Program Director and Jameil Hall, Assistant Program Director Florence RRC—Highlighted Staff— Robert Minter Robert Minter has been selected as Employee of the Year for Florence RRC. BSS Florence would like to express how thankful we are for having Robert Minter as part of the Florence RRC team. Robert began his career with BSS in September 2018. Robert spent most of the time on the graveyard shift, however, this year when a position became available on the morning shift, Robert requested the move. Robert has been a great asset to the facility. He has trained new graveyard staff to ensure that they had complete knowledge of the shift and what was expected. Robert is proficient when it comes to technology, particularly with the resident cell phone application. Robert is always on time and ready to start his day with a smile. Robert can be counted on to get special projects completed in a timely manner and, at times, has become the facility handyman when needed. Robert Minter has done a great job this year and is very deserving of Employee of the Year. Written by: David Brue, Program Director Rubidoux RRC—Highlighted Staff—Joe Alvarado The Rubidoux RRC has selected Joe Alvarado as our Employee of the Year. Joe is our Cook and has been with BSS since June of 2018. He is in charge of ensuring our kitchen is always clean and up to code, placing all food orders and serving our residents delicious meals. Joe takes pride in his work and always puts in his best effort to give our residents great tasting food. This year has been tougher than normal for the residents due to COVID-19, but our kitchen is always a bright spot for residents because of the work Joe does. Our residents look forward to their meals especially when they know Joe is cooking. Joe is a great help in the kitchen; he is always willing to work overtime and come in on his days off to cover for his Assistant Cooks. Joe will never ask anyone to do something he will not do himself. Joe is a great asset to the Rubidoux RRC team and very deserving of the Employee of the Year for 20 20. Written by: Michael Valenzuela, Program Director Tucson Transitional Housing—Highlighted Staff— Natalie Tapia Natalie Tapia has been chosen as Employee of the Year for the Tucson facility. Natalie has been with BSS Tucson since October 2017 and has excelled in every position she has been placed in. She retired from the Pima County Sheriff’s Department as a Corrections Officer and has brought a wealth of knowledge to our team. She implemented the training for our Security Monitors and worked as their supervisor when the facility had the transitional housing component. Since the change of our facility, from transitional housing to solely a mental health/substance abuse clinic, she’s been wearing many hats. She still makes sure that everybody and everything is safe at the facility. She took over the entire clerical, billing portion and U/A testing for the US Probation Department contract. She developed a very good relationship with the Probation Officers and she will ensure that they send the correct documents for service, as well as following up with the Officers, if they have any questions. Natalie was approved by BOP as a Spanish Interpreter for our Spanish speaking clients and has helped out in our clinic, as well. Natalie has her hand in administrative duties, as well, and is always willing to help the Administrative Assistant and the PD. She has been helping with billing, filing, purging files and whatever else is needed around the facility. She has become the go-to person and does so with a smiling face. We thank Natalie for her dedication to BSS and the job. Written by: Gabriele Bland, Program Director Orion RRC—Highlighted Staff— Janett Martinez Janett Martinez, RRC Case Manager has been selected as Employee of the Year for the Orion RRC. Janett started with BSS as the State THP Administrative Assistant, March 18, 2019. In November 2019, she was promoted to BOP Case Manager. From the minute she became an RRC Case Manager, she has brought enthusiasm and a “can-do” attitude to her work and the department. Janett jumped right in and trained quickly. After one year, she is fully up to date with BSS and BOP regulations, and Naphcare, and easily navigates the duties of her position. She communicates effectively with her clients, co-workers and supervisors. In addition to the great attitude she brings to work every day, she is also flexible when shift hours need covered. She is usually the first to volunteer to assist. Co-workers acknowledge and appreciate her going the extra mile. Submitted by: Sandi Loper, Program Director, Orion RRC Orion LTORR – Highlighted Staff – Jessica Lopez Jessica Lopez has been selected as Employee of the Year. Jessica started her employment with BSS as the State Administrative Assistant, December 16, 2019. In her short tenure Jessica has demonstrated the ability to learn quickly and work efficiently to juggle all aspects of the position. Her enthusiasm for her work and her superb communication and writing skills made her an instant asset to the company. Jessica embodies what it means to be a team player, and a role model to residents and staff. Jessica goes above and beyond to help her coworkers and Management staff. She is not only very knowledgeable of our programs but also experienced. As the Administrative Assistant, Jessica continues to assist the Case Services Department and Security Department. Jessica has the passion, enthusiasm, and ability to motivate her co-workers in doing their best and contributes to Orion’s LTORR/RRC success in her own unique way. Jessica’s subtle way of dealing with challenges is truly appreciated. Management staff appreciate the effort Jessica has put into her job. BSS Management staff thanks Jessica for bringing a positive attitude to work day after day. Written by: Ruben Aguilera, Program Director LTORR Phoenix RRC—Highlighted Staff—Dawn Ray BSS Phoenix has an employee that stands out for her on-going dedication, work and contribution to the facility and the residents. Dawn Ray began her tenure with BSS January 2014 as a Security Monitor. Shortly after starting in Security, Dawn was promoted to MINT Coordinator to work with BSS Phoenix’s pregnant inmate population. Dawn exhibited great communication and documentation skills and was promoted to Caseworker, all within her first year of employment. For 4 years, Dawn, as Case Manager, managed the Sex Offender population at the facility before being promoted to Social Service Coordinator in 2018.Dawn created new resources and employment for residents. She networks with the community to assist with resident re-entry/reintegration into society. Prior to the Pandemic, Dawn completed quarterly CRAB meetings and has taken great pride in completing semi-annual health and resource fairs. She attends early release seminars with the RRM at local federal prisons or at the Attorney General’s office. Dawn is an overall team player that puts 110% into her job. She has no issue with holding residents accountable or rolling up her sleeves to assist with a maintenance project. She has near perfect attendance and takes pride in her work. Dawn’s hard work, dedication and commitment is appreciated by all. Congratulations! Dawn has truly earned the Employee of the Year acknowledgment. Written by: Danielle Koger, Program Director Sunset DRC—Highlighted Staff— Leonard Olivas AOD Leonard Olivas has been selected as our 2020 Employee of the Year. Leonard started his tenure with BSS Sunset DRC on 8/1/2014. Leonard came aboard with years of knowledge, skills and competency in working with the inmate population’s alcohol and drug abuse issues. Leonard takes pride in assisting the program participants who struggle with addiction. His counseling approach is direct and challenges the participants to take an honest look at their lives and create a program that would lead to positive behavioral change. Leonard demonstrates team work and leadership. He goes above and beyond in his group facilitation. He espouses hope, change and consistency. Aside from his AOD license, Leonard possesses a Bachelor of Science Degree from University of Phoenix. Congratulations Leonard for your dedication and selection as Employee of the Year. Written by Chris Mays, Program Director and Valina Harper, Casework Supervisor