[ad_1]
For some people, release from prison can be a time of uncertainty. For others, it can be an opportunity to sit back and start a new chapter in life. As a 35-year-old father prepares to leave prison, he looks forward to reconnecting with his children. His first stop is to meet his college advisor for the first time on campus. Such a path is created by the sheriff’s Reentry Services department.
As Reintegration Services Manager, Patricia Ceballos works with the community to develop programs for people in prison.
Ceballos understands the unique needs of the community. “I grew up in South Bay and wanted to find a way to serve my community,” she said.
As a young person, she overcame many challenges. “I’ve had several jobs to pay for school, and I understand the struggle to overcome the stereotypes associated with being a young woman of color.”
Ceballos, who grew up in National City and now lives in San Diego, was the first person in her family to graduate from high school. She then earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from SDSU and a master’s degree in human behavior from National University.
“When my son was born, I worked full-time, completed my master’s degree and coordinated care hours in between. Every time I felt that things were too difficult or too overwhelming, I was reminded of the generational healing I was committed to. “
Ceballos began her re-entry work in 2006 while working with teenagers in the Juvenile Hall.
“It was a life changing job. I was hired to change their life and instead they changed mine. Their stories sounded like my own. Their mothers looked like mine. Your fights felt like mine. ”
This connection led Ceballos to devote her life’s work to building pathways of healing, connection, and personal development for those who leave prison.
She knows the importance of using her voice, knowledge and experience to shape change for future generations. She practices compassionate leadership to bring hope and healing to the community.
“Return to work is important to me because it affects not only the person I am working with, but every person who is connected to that person.”
She remembers a young woman who spent several years in Las Colinas women’s prison. “While there, she graduated from high school, earned 19 transferable college credits, completed a culinary arts program and many other life-changing courses,” recalls Ceballos. “After her release, she reunited with her daughter, got a job as a peer support college counselor, and speaks regularly at conferences and training courses to tell her story of success.
“It wasn’t just about her success, it was also about the impact she has on everyone in her life, including her daughter. Helping people find their inner strength and support their re-entry is the reason why I do this important job.
“As I continue to ponder the future of this work, I am encouraged to be able to lead with compassion and humanity.”
The San Diego County’s Sheriff’s Department has more than two dozen educational, professional, wellness, and mental health programs to serve inmates. More information is available at www.sdsheriff.gov/ReentryWorks.
About this series
Azadeh Davari is a member of the UT Community Advisory Board. She is a consultant for leadership development, trainer and executive coach. She stops
PhD in Leadership Studies from the University of San Diego.
Someone San Diego Should Know is a weekly column written by members of the UT’s Community Advisory Board about local people who are interesting and noteworthy because of their experience, accomplishments, creativity, or references.
[ad_2]
Source link
