IN MY OWN WORDS - MICHAEL, OSCI MAILROOM

To be treated as human beings, not as a prison ID number

"What I receive each day I go to work is the pure enjoyment of accomplishing something that may be beneficial, whether we send OHP applications to field offices, send shipments to Parks and Recreation. Each day has a meaning. To me it's not about the PRAS/AWARD, but the satisfaction of being part of a team and together accomplish OUR common goal."

We have received many letters and continue to see more come in. The responses have been fairly well-rounded with a range of positive, negative, and neutral tones. We want to share with you a letter we received from Michael. Michael resides at Oregon State Correctional Institution and works in OCE's Mailroom. He sees beyond the pay rate to the value he receives as a human being. His last name has been redacted for considerations of safety and sensitivity. What he has to say in the following letter is real and in his own words.

Read more stories like this and learn about OCE training programs and projects by visiting our BLOGS PAGE.