Volunteers In Parole Honors Mentors
by Angel Sevilla

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Recognition events are an essential part of every non-profit organization. It is important that the efforts of volunteers are recognized and that we celebrate the achievements made by volunteer attorneys and parolees. Over 150 community leaders from the Sacramento parole and legal community gathered on May 4th to celebrate Volunteers In Parole's fourth volunteer awards and recognition luncheon. The annual event gives VIP attorney mentors, parolees and supporters the opportunity to meet each other and join forces to reduce the recidivism rate of California. The luncheon was also an effort to recognize the dedication of attorney mentors and the achievements of all the parolee volunteers of the past year. The event was a glowing success, thanks to everyone who took the time off to show enthusiastic support. Mentors were able to meet other volunteers in the program and share stories with the respective match partners.

Master of Ceremonies Judge Thomas M. Cecil welcomed guests and led the program that includes awards for Parole Agent of the Year, Match Partners of the Year, Outstanding Achievement of the Year, Mentors of the Year, and Parolee Volunteers of the Year. Among our honored guests were Sacramento County District Attorney Jan Scully, Law Foundation President Tac Craven, SCBA president Barbara Yonemura, Dr. Jerome Lackner, WLS members Joan Jernegan and Joan Stone, and Bar Council member Mark Shusted. They were joined by distinguished attorney volunteer mentors, their dedicated match partners and other community leaders. The statewide boards of governors, the 15-member boards comprised of prominent lawyers throughout the state, were also in attendance for the event.

A packed room full of VIP volunteers witnessed inspiring and emotional accounts of the efforts that transformed lives. Judge Cecil kept the pace going, and he maintained a positive atmosphere that made the program enjoyable for everyone. The program was initiated by a slide presentation prepared by Advisory Committee Vice-Chair Bruce Cline. The presentation, which showcased pictures of attorney and parolee volunteers under the song "Lean On Me," was an effort to highlight VIP's expansion and growth during the past year. Program director Angel Sevilla delivered the opening address that focused on a greater need for collaboration among community service organizations and the important value of friendships in empowering members of our community.

The award recipients embody the traits that cultivate successful and empowering mentoring friendships in service to the community. These efforts make mentorship a truly rewarding experience. Cal Terhune, one of the founders of VIP, was honored for his outstanding efforts in years of service as the director of the California Department of Corrections. Parole agent Ron Johnstad was awarded Parole Agent of the Year because of his efforts to facilitate a successful re-entry to society of people coming out of incarceration. Part of his effort involves speaking to pre-release courses and facilitating parolee support groups. Attorney Glenda Reager and match partner Lynda Lee were given the distinction of match partners of the year for their ability to make their friendship work despite hectic and busy schedules. "When I met Glenda, I realized that I can be accepted by members of my community," Lee said in her acceptance speech.

Many of the parolees recognized in the event are succeeding in every phase of their re-entry, and they have welcomed the guidance and friendship of their volunteer attorney mentors. The "Outstanding Achievement of the Year" is given to a VIP parolee who has demonstrated great skills and desire for community service. Former professional boxer Trino Richard Savala was given the distinction for his efforts to reach out to today's at-risk youth. He has spoken to over 200 children at his weekly engagements at the Boys and Girls Club. "Trino's remarkable transition from a gang member to a productive member of the community is exceptional," said Bruce Cline in presenting his match partner with the award. Yolo County Public Defender Barry Melton presented match partner Gerald Fields with the Volunteer Mentee of the Year. "We gained a family member here," Melton said in presenting Fields with his plaque.

Two mentors from the Yolo County and Sacramento regions were also honored for going above and beyond in mentoring people on parole. Yolo County Assistant Public Defender Suzann Gostovich and Inspector General of Veterans Affairs L. Jerry Hansen were awarded "Mentor of the Year" honors. Suzann's dedication to the personal development of her mentee Janay Bechtel makes her a deserving recipient, while Jerry Hansen was honored for his compassionate efforts to develop prison ministries and after care services to people on parole.

After the luncheon, Tac Craven of the Sacramento County Law Foundation awarded the Sacramento VIP region with a generous grant that would enable us to help mentees overcome financial obstacles that threaten a successful transition. The VIP scholarship program helps parolees secure housing, employment and education by providing them with the necessary grants that will enable them to achieve their goals.

Through the overwhelming show of support from Sacramento attorneys, VIP was able to achieve tremendous gains over the past year. Over 40 attorneys are now serving as mentors, and the numbers are growing each week. New volunteers are now signing up everyday to take advantage of this unique and rewarding opportunity for public service. What is remarkable by this growth is that it was achieved through a truly collaborative effort from the Bar Association, affiliate groups, advisory committee and other non-profit organizations. VIP is fortunate to have the support of dedicated attorneys including Ann Farina, Alberto Roldan, Tim Smith, Craig Lundgren and Doug Welch. It is indeed an inspiring achievement to witness such a diverse group of Sacramento attorneys from public defenders, district attorneys to attorneys from both private and government sectors, join together for a rehabilitative effort for people transitioning back into our community. Sacramento attorneys have embraced the concept of mentoring parolees with enthusiasm and excitement. Thanks to them, the awards luncheon was a big success.

For more information about Volunteers In Parole, or to sign up as a mentor, please contact Angel Sevilla at (916) 324-4142, Ext. 259 or at vipsacramento@home.com.