My name is Collette Aldana and I became the new Program Director for VIP Sacramento/Yolo in December. VIP is a unique, non-profit organization that provides volunteer attorney mentors to parolees who are trying to turn their lives around and successfully complete parole. I first became aware of VIP through a friend who is a VIP volunteer. When the position of Program Director became vacant, I started reading about VIP and its mission. My interest and enthusiasm increased. The willingness of attorneys to devote their time to parolees impressed me. I share that passion to help others who have not been as fortunate. As Program Director, I will work tirelessly to create a positive, professional, and supportive environment for VIP attorney mentors and parolee mentees.

By way of introduction, my experience includes one year with the Sacramento County Department of Probation, ten years of work experience with the Sacramento law firm Remy, Thomas, Moose and Manley, LLP, and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice from Sacramento State.

VIP is a great organization. VIP recruits attorneys, and only attorneys, to work one-on-one with men and women transitioning from life in prison to life in the community. Many parolees are in need of guidance and have never had the encouragement of a role model who cares about their accomplishments and successes. The outcome of mentoring is absolutely rewarding. Although I have only worked at VIP for a few weeks, the people with whom I have interacted are positive, welcoming, kind, and friendly.

VIP's goals and success stories were monumental in motivating me to accept the position of Program Director. My predecessor, Angela Tillotson, built an outstanding program. Angela, on behalf of the VIP staff, volunteers, and supporters, thank you for your three years of unending hard work. We all wish you the best of luck!

To all the VIP volunteer mentors, thank you. Your dedicated efforts have made VIP the successful program that it is. As Program Director, I look forward to the opportunity to introduce many new mentors to their future mentees.

VIP Sacramento/Yolo is part of VIP Mentors, a statewide organization founded by attorneys in 1972. We have 15 programs in major California counties. Parolees who work with a VIP mentor have remarkable success rates. Attorneys, please continue your compassionate support as we are in constant need of volunteer mentors. VIP has several parolee applicants waiting to be matched with mentors.

If you are interested in learning more about VIP or would like to become a VIP mentor, please contact Collette Aldana, Program Director, VIP Sacramento/Yolo at (916) 324-4141 x259, by fax at (916) 445-8864, by e-mail at vip-sacramento@vipmentors.org or visit the VIP website at www.vipmentors.org for further information.

March / April 2006