Hawaii Inmates Graduate Faith-based Program
November 19, 2009
Saguaro Correctional Center had its third successful graduating class from the Life Principles Community Program (Faith Pod) on November 19, 2009 with 23 graduates. The inmates were full of enthusiasm as the program was an all day event with Tim Kepler as the special speaker. Mr. Kepler shared his life story of how he went from being a homeless, drug addicted broken man in prison, to a well known performing artist. He gave an exceptional performance with song and words of encouragement that strengthened the men in their journey ahead. Each man participated in the graduation from opening prayer, testimonies, song and dance, to a closing prayer that moved the audience with genuine compassion. A heart of worship was evident throughout the ceremony. We had an exceptional turn out from staff as well as volunteers.
Love and prayers from all of us here at Saguaro, especially those in the faith pod,
-by Ms. Beede, Program Facilitator
Concert in the Yard Rocks Offender Faith
November 16-20, 2009
Saguaro held its first-ever concert series, put together by the Music Room for the General Population, during the week of November 16 -20. The concert was performed by inmates for inmates and coincided with the Faith Pod graduation which featured international Christian recording artist Tim Kepler. The week consisted of a series of concerts, one concert for a different unit each day. Five bands were featured throughout the week with the line-up rotating daily.
Concert In the Yard grew from a vision that was shared by facility music porters at the inception of the Music Program, four months prior, and later shared with Hawaii Contract Monitor John Ioane, to see Hawaii inmates performing on the rec yard for the general population as a way for them to not only exhibit their musical talents, but to inspire fellow inmates to get involved with the music program. In addition, this concept was inspired by the fact that music plays a huge part in Hawaiian culture and the idea that Hawaii inmates' talents can be utilized as a source of inspiration to motivate positive behavior and preparation for a successful transition back into society.
As time progressed, and with the support of contract monitors Shari Kimoto and John Ioane, warden Thomas, assistant wardens Griego and Bradley and the Saguaro staff, the Music Program grew. Band members worked to develop their talents through hours of hard work. With each music porter and band member "playing their part", from the Sound Production Crew setting up quality and professional audio, to the Stage Crew setting up and breaking down for each concert, everyone rose to the challenge which led to a successful event.
-by Coach John Rael
New Hope Ministries Makes Major Impact on Hawaii Inmates
January 2009
In January 2009, Chaplain Roy Yamamoto and over 20 volunteers from New Hope Ministries in Hawaii visited CCA's Saguaro Correctional Facility, which houses inmates for the Hawaii Department of Public Safety (HDPS). Yamamoto led the volunteers in two-day outreach for interested inmates. The outreach included preaching, mentoring, live concerts and fellowship. Of Saguaro's 1,896 inmates, 1,200 participated in the events and the majority of attendees were HDPS inmates.
"It was probably one of the best received programs that I've been a part of," says Todd Thomas, warden at Saguaro. "The following week, I was stopped several hundred times as I walked around the facility; inmates were thanking me for working with New Hope to plan the event, and telling me how much they enjoyed it."
Read the article Prison Break for more on this extraordinary event.
Thomas also received letters from inmates expressing their appreciation for the outreach. Read an inmate's thank you letter to the warden.
