RISE Program graduates celebrate new beginnings

A sense of pride, hope and hard-earned accomplishment filled the room as participants in the RISE program gathered to celebrate their graduation, marking a major step forward in their journeys of personal growth and rehabilitation.

“This is a huge accomplishment,” said Detention Center Administrator Eddie Garcia as he addressed graduates, staff and supporters. “It signifies a real investment in your own rehabilitation and a proactive step toward successful reintegration into the community.”

The RISE program focuses on several core pillars, including cognitive behavioral development, vocational readiness, social responsibility and transition planning. Participants work to build problem-solving skills, emotional regulation, job readiness and a roadmap for life after release.

Garcia emphasized that the achievement was not only significant for the graduates, but also for the program itself. With seven graduates this cycle—up from just two in the previous class—the growth reflects increasing engagement and success.

“This is huge,” Garcia said. “Not only for you, but for the program, the department and the county.”

Graduates were recognized individually during the ceremony, receiving certificates to applause from peers, staff and community partners who have supported the program.

Speakers throughout the event highlighted the importance of commitment, self-reflection and continued support beyond the classroom.

Garcia described RISE as an opportunity for participants to take inventory of their lives—acknowledging both past mistakes and personal strengths—and use those insights to redefine who they are.

“You’ve done a really good job in defining who you are,” he said. “Now follow through with your plan when you get out.”

For many graduates, the program has been life-changing.

Andrea, a participant who shared her story during the ceremony, spoke candidly about her decades-long struggle with addiction.

“I was in addiction for 27 years and never once wanted to change,” she said. “But this time, I dove deep. I didn’t just read the book—I applied it to my life.”

Andrea described how the program helped her discover a sense of self-worth she had never experienced before.

“I never believed change was possible,” she said. “But something started to change. It was uncomfortable—but it showed me my worth.”

Another graduate, Herman Garcia, shared how becoming a parent gave him the motivation to commit to the program and envision a different future.

“I’m doing it for her—for our future,” he said, referring to his daughter. “This program helped me open up and really look at myself.”

Throughout the ceremony, speakers reinforced that graduation is not an endpoint, but the beginning of a lifelong process.

Staff members and community partners—including counselors, educators and volunteers—were also recognized for their role in supporting participants. Their contributions ranged from teaching life skills and literacy to providing guidance in areas like nutrition and parenting.

Erika Baxter, a non-custody staff member volunteer, shared a personal connection to the work, recalling the loss of a loved one to overdose and expressing gratitude for the opportunity to witness participants working toward recovery.

“I never got to see this part,” she said. “So I feel very blessed to see what you’re pushing through.”

The ceremony also underscored a broader shift in corrections philosophy—from punishment alone to rehabilitation and opportunity.

County leadership voiced strong support for the program, noting that initiatives like RISE represent a meaningful investment in both individuals and the community.

With certificates in hand and support behind them, the graduates left the ceremony not just with recognition—but with renewed purpose and the tools to build a different future.