RPinSD
11-23-2004, 01:37 PM
Inmates find new warden refreshing
By BLANCA E. SANCHEZ
STAFF WRITER
Friday, November 19, 2004 - CHINO - Just two weeks into her official tenure as warden of the California Institution for Women, Dawn Davison is way ahead of schedule in her plans to put worthwhile programs into place.
Davison was appointed as warden of the women's prison Nov. 5 by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger. Some inmates say they are hopeful she will improve lives inside and beyond CIW walls.
"I told her the Lord was going to give her the job," said Pauline Bowen, a 52-year-old inmate. "We need somebody like her because she knows how to talk to you. She don't let the staff disrespect women and she don't let us disrespect them. For the 22 years I've been here, she is the best warden we've had besides Mr. Dovey."
Davison, 48, replaces former warden John Dovey, who was promoted to chief deputy director of field operations for the state's Department of Corrections. Davison was formerly chief deputy warden.
Davison's goal is to reduce the rate at which women return to prison by offering programs that boost self-esteem, educate the women and improve their bond with their children.
"I do this because I feel I can make a difference," Davison said.
She is not only talking about improving the lives of the inmates, but of the prison staff as well.
An education program will start in January where Chaffey College will provide two classes each for staff members and inmates.
Of the 150 inmates interested in the program, 90 qualified because they did not have an Associate in Arts degree, Davison said.
"This will be the beginning of a program where they will get their AA and all of their general education classes," Davison said. "Once they get out they can go and get their major."
Sixteen of the prison's 2,020 inmates are now enrolled in college correspondence courses, which the inmates or their families pay for.
The education program will be provided through Chaffey's Extended Opportunity Programs and Services.
"When you go to college, that does something for your self-esteem," she said. "I want them to get out and be successful. That goes with our mission to increase public safety."
Davison also wants to enhance the prison's visiting room and make it more family friendly for children visiting their incarcerated mothers.
Currently the visiting room has low tables and chairs, she said.
"We are going to put a special area for the kids and have toys and books," Davison said.
But aside from her own projects and ideas, Davison is listening to the inmates.
Mary Thompson, a 42-year-old inmate and president of the Women's Advisory Council - the body that represents the inmates at the institution - pitched the idea of holding a mock election at the prison during the presidential elections.
Davison loved the idea because once out of prison, the inmates regain their right to vote, she said.
"We are happy that she is open to suggestions we have," said Thompson, who is serving a 25 years-to-life sentence for theft, her third strike. "Even though our votes didn't count, the women were really excited."
Davison is also working on a job fair to be held at the prison - another of the inmate's ideas. The job fair will train inmates on how to fill out applications and how to dress for and go through an interview, Thompson said.
"That's her vision and I am going to try to make it a reality," Davison said.
Davison owns a bachelor's degree in psychology and a master's in counseling. She began her career in law enforcement on the business side of the Department of Corrections. She has been working in custody operations since 1998.
Blanca Sanchez can be reached by e-mail atblanca.sanchez@dailybulletin.com (atblanca.sanchez@dailybulletin.com) or by phone at (909) 987-6397, Ext. 218.
Sounds like progress is coming in Baby Steps??
RPinSD
By BLANCA E. SANCHEZ
STAFF WRITER
Friday, November 19, 2004 - CHINO - Just two weeks into her official tenure as warden of the California Institution for Women, Dawn Davison is way ahead of schedule in her plans to put worthwhile programs into place.
Davison was appointed as warden of the women's prison Nov. 5 by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger. Some inmates say they are hopeful she will improve lives inside and beyond CIW walls.
"I told her the Lord was going to give her the job," said Pauline Bowen, a 52-year-old inmate. "We need somebody like her because she knows how to talk to you. She don't let the staff disrespect women and she don't let us disrespect them. For the 22 years I've been here, she is the best warden we've had besides Mr. Dovey."
Davison, 48, replaces former warden John Dovey, who was promoted to chief deputy director of field operations for the state's Department of Corrections. Davison was formerly chief deputy warden.
Davison's goal is to reduce the rate at which women return to prison by offering programs that boost self-esteem, educate the women and improve their bond with their children.
"I do this because I feel I can make a difference," Davison said.
She is not only talking about improving the lives of the inmates, but of the prison staff as well.
An education program will start in January where Chaffey College will provide two classes each for staff members and inmates.
Of the 150 inmates interested in the program, 90 qualified because they did not have an Associate in Arts degree, Davison said.
"This will be the beginning of a program where they will get their AA and all of their general education classes," Davison said. "Once they get out they can go and get their major."
Sixteen of the prison's 2,020 inmates are now enrolled in college correspondence courses, which the inmates or their families pay for.
The education program will be provided through Chaffey's Extended Opportunity Programs and Services.
"When you go to college, that does something for your self-esteem," she said. "I want them to get out and be successful. That goes with our mission to increase public safety."
Davison also wants to enhance the prison's visiting room and make it more family friendly for children visiting their incarcerated mothers.
Currently the visiting room has low tables and chairs, she said.
"We are going to put a special area for the kids and have toys and books," Davison said.
But aside from her own projects and ideas, Davison is listening to the inmates.
Mary Thompson, a 42-year-old inmate and president of the Women's Advisory Council - the body that represents the inmates at the institution - pitched the idea of holding a mock election at the prison during the presidential elections.
Davison loved the idea because once out of prison, the inmates regain their right to vote, she said.
"We are happy that she is open to suggestions we have," said Thompson, who is serving a 25 years-to-life sentence for theft, her third strike. "Even though our votes didn't count, the women were really excited."
Davison is also working on a job fair to be held at the prison - another of the inmate's ideas. The job fair will train inmates on how to fill out applications and how to dress for and go through an interview, Thompson said.
"That's her vision and I am going to try to make it a reality," Davison said.
Davison owns a bachelor's degree in psychology and a master's in counseling. She began her career in law enforcement on the business side of the Department of Corrections. She has been working in custody operations since 1998.
Blanca Sanchez can be reached by e-mail atblanca.sanchez@dailybulletin.com (atblanca.sanchez@dailybulletin.com) or by phone at (909) 987-6397, Ext. 218.
Sounds like progress is coming in Baby Steps??
RPinSD