HWOP
Breaking the Chains
Men account for a significant and growing percentage of eating disorder cases (up to 25% or higher in some studies). Eating disorders in men are often underdiagnosed due to stigma and the perception that they are "women’s issues." Men may experience different symptoms or behaviors related to eating disorders compared to women, such as a focus on muscularity or excessive exercise. This group is dedicated to overcoming Disordered Eating through support, strength and recovery.
Founder: Orlindo Neeno Myles
Humanity is Every One Person-HEOP-RJDCF
HEOP's goals are to extend compassion and kindness to all; bridging the gaps between mentally ill and non-mentally ill inmates so better communication and understanding can be developed.
Wish List: On-going support of indoor engagement items to include coloring books, crayons, puzzles, board games.
Founder: Frank Vaughn/paroled 2019
Insight Meditation
Meditation has been known to help individuals be less impulsive, less reactive, and create a sense of calm within themselves; it teaches inmates the tools needed to navigate their daily challenges that are part of the prison life. This meditation group is held every Saturday at 6 p.m. in the prison's multi-faith chapel.
Art Credit: Erik Menendez
Copyright: HWOP 2020-2025. All rights reserved; please contact me for use. Permission will be granted if consistent with HWOP's mission.
Freedom Songs
This is a guided imagery music program based on the Bonny Method. The objective is to create a healing and therapeutic environment; to provide inmate participants with the education to develop musical skills and develop a deeper understanding of themselves. This program helps stimulate through music, the intuitive and creative potential for healing and transformation.
Founder: Carey Neloms/paroled 2021
Disconnect to Reconnect
This trauma informed workshop is dedicated to enlightening participants on the dangers and drawback of cellphone addictions in prison; it seeks to explore the root causes of reliance on illicit devices, impacts on staff and residents, criminogenic thinking and solutions for change.
Founder: Lyle Menendez
Life Care & Hospice
LCH is founded on the pillars of Acceptance, Cooperation, Education, and Public Goodwill. This program and fellowship utilizes these principles in order to benefit and enrich the handicapped, elderly, and informed, and encourage deeper awareness, gratitude, and empathy within all participants and the general population.
HWOP
The Rehabilitation through Beautification's Green Space Project -I
Phase One is the Wall Mural Project in which inmates have been painting large-scale landscape images along the entire interior wall of the Facility-E exercise yard. The Wall Mural Project is currently 40% complete. We will share pictures of the Murals in the near future as they near completion.
Lead Muralists: Erik Menendez; Robert Beckett; Dave Armstrong.
Picture: Dog program lead Pete Lewis with the adorable canine companions they are currently training to serve clients of Guide Dogs of America, with the Wall mural in the background.
THE REHABILITATION THROUGH BEAUTIFICATION'S GREEN SPACE PROJECT-II
Phase Two (Rehabilitation through Beautification) is the Landscape & Service Dog Structural Support package which includes design material that is eco-friendly and consists of artificial grass, colored rubber mulch, rubber interlocking tiles, and yellow sand. If approved, concrete ADA-accessible areas will also be installed. This project does not install live vegetation and therefore requires no water usage. This project provides the following benefits:
· Creates a living environment that reflects the facility’s rehabilitative mission.
· Improves the overall mental health of the prison population
· Creates functional and accessible outdoor spaces for recognized self-help and Mental Health groups
· Creates a structural support package for the service dog program, including an enclosed dog run, sanitary elimination areas, hydration stations, a dog shower station, and areas of shade
· Creates ADA wheelchair and walker access for activities on the inner exercise yard.
Committee Chair: Lyle Menendez
Vice-Chair: Joel Baptiste
HWOP
Twelve Step Recovery with Insight Meditation
Twelve Step Recovery with Insight Meditation
The purpose of Twelve Step and Insight Meditation program is to familiarize participants with the elements of addiction and the process of recovery through the Twelve Step program and Insight Meditation. The curriculum covers the cycle of addiction, primary and secondary symptoms of developmental trauma, addictive, obsessive and compulsive behavior, and introduces and discusses each of the Twelve Steps. Additionally, because mindful meditation has been shown to significantly reduce drug and alcohol relapse, participants will be introduced to the practice of meditation, and will learn how to use meditation skills when exposed to internal and environmental triggers for relapse.
Art Credit: Dave Armstrong; Erik Menendez; Copyright HWOP 2020-2025. All rights reserved; please contact me for use. Permission will be granted if consistent with HWOP's mission.
VIVE
Twelve Step Recovery with Insight Meditation
The purpose of VIVE-Victim Impact & Victim Empathy for Vulnerable Populations is to help offenders recognize the unique needs and vulnerabilities of these populations and to develop enhanced empathy through their new awareness. The elderly, disabled, infirm and other disadvantaged populations are often victimized in subtle and unseen ways. When they are victimized, their path through the criminal justice system and into recovery faces unique challenges. For offenders, a part of the amends process is to connect with that suffering and understand how victimization impacts these especially vulnerable populations.
Art Credit: Erik Menendez; Copyright HWOP 2020-2025. All rights reserved; please contact me for use. Permission will be granted if consistent with HWOP's mission.
The Pendulum......
The Pendulum......
Coming soon, our news magazine from Echo yard journalists!
Editor in Chief: Jonathan Tran
Managing Editor: Joel Abreu
Marketing Editor: Lyle Menendez
Senior News Editor: Daniel Cohen
Senior Editor: Roman Gutierrez
Update Feb 2025: On hold due to pending Admin approvals.