VIP-Sacramento Says Farewell to One Program Director and Hello to Another
by Angela Tillotson

My name is Angela Tillotson. I became the new Program Director for the Volunteers In Parole program in Sacramento and Yolo counties on September 1, 2002. Upon first reading the desired qualifications for the position of program director, I immediately became excited, and the more I learned of the program and its goals, the more my interest and excitement grew. If there are words to adequately express my excitement and enthusiasm on the subject of being a part of Volunteers In Parole, I am unaware of them.

As way of introduction, I have three years of diverse work experience with the California Department of Corrections, in addition to six years with the Legislative Counsel Bureau, and numerous years in customer-service related positions. In March 2003, I will complete my Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology, with a minor in Criminal Justice, from National University. My 8-year-old son, Kane, is the absolute light of my life. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with Kane, my friends and family. I also enjoy the arts and writing.

Volunteers In Parole, Inc. is a non-profit organization that matches attorney volunteers to act as mentors to parolees who are trying diligently to turn their lives around. It is a magnificent feeling to be a part of something so positive. Although my presence with VIP has only been for a few weeks, I can honestly say that every single person with whom I have had contact has been friendly and quick to offer assistance. Not only is VIP's logo, "Where friends make the difference," but friendship also echoes through all aspects of VIP.

The goals and effects of VIP go much deeper than simply mentoring. Through the mentoring process, friendships are formed and many lives are reclaimed. Not only do the mentors and mentees benefit from the time spent together, but society also benefits. The "revolving door" has been an issue within the criminal justice arena for years. Of those matches between attorney mentors and parolee mentees, 70 percent of parolees will make progress on parole. These successes affect society and the safety of communities by lowering recidivism rates, reducing costly imprisonment costs, and reuniting families. Imagine the happiness of the child who has his or her parent at home to kiss good night rather than holding onto a memory of mommy or daddy because he or she is in prison.

It is because of the encouraging objectives of VIP that I eagerly accepted the position of program director. My predecessor, Angel Sevilla, built a phenomenal program from virtually nothing. He worked fervently to develop a strong program that earned the recognition and support of many of Sacramento's most respected individuals. It is my hope that I can continue what Angel worked so hard to build. I look forward to the challenges and embrace the opportunity. Angel has gone on to UC Berkeley's Boalt Hall to pursue a law degree. The staff, volunteers, and supporters of VIP wish him the best of luck and know that he will succeed in obtaining his goals.

I would also like to express my admiration and appreciation for all the volunteers of VIP. The mentees have chosen to change their lives, to labor to live a more positive life, and that of itself can be scary-to cut ties to the past and to abandon the known for the unknown. Those individuals who have chosen to undertake this task must be applauded for their courage. Attorney mentors, already having busy work schedules and the responsibilities of family and other duties, have unselfishly chosen to give not only their time, but also a part of themselves to give back to humanity. There are no monetary gains, no "prize" at the end of the finish line, but simply the gratification within their hearts knowing that they have helped another person. For their acts of unselfishness, they too deserve recognition and accolades.

I hope to be able to personally meet all of VIP-Sacramento's matches-both mentors and mentees in the future. I can't wait for the opportunity to meet face-to-face with the people who have made VIP-Sacramento the wonderful program that it is.

Volunteers In Parole is a wonderful program that works to prevent parolees from continuing in the "revolving door" syndrome. The rewards are immense, the friendships plentiful. The Sacramento VIP office currently has parolees in need of volunteer mentors. There are approximately 16 unmatched parolees from Sacramento and Yolo Counties waiting for a positive influence in their lives. Seven are women and nine are men. All have cut ties to the past in an effort to turn their lives around and would welcome a positive friend.

If you are currently a volunteer mentor, thank you for all that you give. If you know of anyone who would be interested in becoming a mentor, please refer him or her to the VIP office. And if you are interested in participating in VIP or need further information, please contact Angela Tillotson, Program Director, VIP-Sacramento at (916) 324-4141 extension 259, by fax at (916) 445-8864, or by e-mail at vipsacramento@earthlink.net.

Tom ohnson, Angela Tillotson and Angel Sevilla