VIP Volunteer Mentor of the Month Robin Taylor
by Angel Sevilla

Assistant U.S. Attorney Robin Taylor always believed that it is her duty to enforce the law with fairness and compassion. This desire prompted her to volunteer her time as a mentor for Volunteers In Parole (VIP).

Taylor eagerly joined VIP after a presentation to the Federal Bar Association. She has been with the United States Attorney's Office since July 1997, prosecuting financial fraud cases, which include investment, securities fraud, real estate fraud, and identity theft. Prior to entering government service, Taylor served as an associate at Downey, Brand, Seymour & Rohwer, litigating business and fraud cases. Because of her dedication to her career and her desire to lead an exemplary community service effort, Taylor is the ideal mentor for someone in need of support.

"I believe it is also my responsibility to help individuals who have served their time, in part to prevent recidivism," Taylor said. "Volunteering my time for VIP was a way to do something productive to break the cycle of crime. I believe that this creates a beneficial ripple throughout the community."

In a short period of time, Robin's partnership with her mentee, Maggie Ruiz, has become one of the most solid matches in the Sacramento region. Both are greatly admired by their peers, and they are working together to give each other perspective on how they perceive the world. Ruiz knows that part of her recovery rests on her ability to surround herself with positive individuals. Her tenacity to maintain a balanced, sober lifestyle inspires other parolees to pursue recovery with energy and passion.

Maggie Ruiz with her VIP mentor, Assistant U.S. Attorney Robin Taylor.

Ruiz entered her treatment graduation ceremony with a giant smile on her face. She was holding a giant cookie with the words "Congratulations" written on it given to her by Taylor. She showed great dedication since her release, completing treatment and re-establishing contact with her family. "Robin has a lot of great suggestions about my kids, about sobriety, and she has me looking at my problems in different ways," Ruiz said. She has taken an active role in completing treatment and has become an admired "big sister" by everyone who knows her. Ruiz is "a strong and resilient woman who loves her children and grandchildren," Taylor said. "She made bad choices, but she is now making better ones."

VIP's goal is to initiate mentoring relationships between Sacramento-area attorneys and parolees from the California Department of Corrections, so that the guidance and friendship of attorney volunteers will help someone achieve self-sufficiency and independence. The program was initiated by California State Bar in their efforts to address the revolving door aspect of today's prison system. Thirty years after the program was initiated, thousands of attorneys have participated in helping parolees with their transition from prison into the community.

"If a mentee is staying out of trouble, then her kids/grandchildren/spouse have a better chance at staying out of trouble too" Taylor said. "I have been impressed by the lack of bureaucracy at VIP, and its successes. I enjoy working one-on-one with my mentee and developing a personal bond."

Taylor and Ruiz meet for lunch once a week to share their life experiences and give each other advice. They also plan to visit the symphony, explore the arts and enjoy time with their families. Because of their very diverse set of experiences, they have learned a great deal from one another. VIP is proud to recognize Taylor's efforts in volunteering her time touching people's lives with her friendship.

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