Update From Folsom

The most important message to relay from the dedicated students in the Folsom T’ai Chi Chih class is “thank you for the fans.” The two industrial-sized fans purchased with your donations have been life changing. Summers are brutal at Folsom, and the chapel where we hold class is often 90+ degrees. Men would often sit during practice, and many didn’t come to class at all. With fans, attendance has increased and men just want to hang out with our class.

The class is large and thriving; we have 33 students with a waiting list of about 20. Thanks to a donation from the NORCAL TCC group we will soon have textbooks for everyone. A few months ago I posted flyers in Building 2, which houses more difficult inmates, and have given them priority as it is a more stressful building. Several have started coming to class and love it.

In July, [TCC Teacher] Lisa Stroyan visited; see her story below. I encourage more of you to visit, as it is such a special treat for the men to meet you in person.

I recently attended a powerful presentation for Folsom staff from the Los Angeles Anti-Recidivism Coalition (ARC). A panel of former inmates spoke to the guards about the role they played in these men’s lives during their incarceration. When it came time for questions, I spoke up: “I’d like to hear about any programs you did, aside from academic or pre-release, that were helpful to you. For example, I teach a moving meditation class here in the chapel once a week.” I looked directly at Scott Budnick, a former Hollywood director, founder of ARC and friend of former Folsom TCC student Franky Carrillo. And I continued, “I know when Franky Carrillo was here, this class helped him tremendously.” I received a smile and fist thump over his heart from Budnick. After it was over I introduced myself and he gave me a big hug saying, “Any friend of Franky’s is a friend of mine.” I shared with him my dream of making a documentary about the Folsom TCC class to show in other prisons. He was interested and we have exchanged emails.

Like so many other teachers who work with special populations, I feel fortunate to share TCC with the men at Folsom, and to witness their healing, growth and transformation. In the process, I have been healed in return.