Opening Ceremonies
SCI Houtzdale inmates and staff kicked off National Crime Victims' Rights Week with opening ceremonies on April 8, 2019, in the facility gym. Guest speaker for the event was Deb Borza, who spoke of the devastating loss she experienced on September 11, 2001, when her daughter, Deora, was killed on Flight 93, which crashed in a grassy field in Shanksville, Pa. Borza not only shared how the loss affected her but, also how it affected her younger daughter and extended family as well.
Youth Summit Held
A Youth Summit was held on April 9, welcoming reentrants Donnell Drinks and Jamel Felder to speak with inmate participants. Both spoke of their experiences leaving jail behind and focusing on a better future, not only for themselves but their families, friends and their communities. They spoke about the influence that their faith and support systems have had in helping their transition back into civilian life. Drinks and Felder both spoke about the hardships that they both faced and how they overcame them.
Day of Responsibility
A Day of Responsibility was held on April 10 in the institution's chapel. Sixty inmates participated along with members of the inmate organization, Journey for Change. The day consisted of a variety of guest speakers and discussion groups. Mary Tatum, director of the Children's Advocacy Center of Clearfield County, spoke about the effects of child abuse on the victims, their families and the communities. She gave a brief overview of the inner workings of the Advocacy Center and their plans for the future, which include a new building and a service dog, which will be a support for the children who are in need of the center's services.
Karen Ferguson and Collette Gephart spoke of their devastating experiences and how they overcame them. Their testimonies were emotional and powerful for all attending. They aided in helping the inmate participants to understand the ripple effect and just how far reaching it can be. Discussion groups focused on Respect, Responsibility and Restitution. The staff members monitoring the groups stated that the inmates had on-point and appropriate discussions regarding the topic areas.
Nicole Evans and Heather Cattron from the Office of Victim Advocate spoke about the apology bank, the specifics of writing a letter to submit to the bank and explained the purpose and process of the apology bank.
The day concluded with each participant signing the Responsibility pledge. Overall the day's event was a success.
Other Events Throughout the Week
Other events for the week consisted of an artwork and writing contest. The winner of the contest received a cash prize, and the artwork was donated to the Children's Advocacy Center (CAC) for display in their new building. Participants from the Day of Responsibility also made a financial donates to the CAC.