On April 19, 2025, the Alternatives to Violence (AVP) Inmate Activity Group at the Correctional Training Facility (CTF) in Soledad raised nearly $17,000 to support Rancho Cielo. The AVP group chose Rancho Cielo as its designated beneficiary for their annual food sale after learning about the transformative academic and vocational education the nonprofit provides to underserved and at-promise youth. Warden Borla and the Alternatives to Violence Project (AVP) Food Sale Team presented the check during an official recognition ceremony.
Approximately 30 male inmates at CTF are trained as AVP facilitators. The program, which has been active at the facility since 2006, offers intensive, three-day experiential workshops on violence prevention twice a month. In addition to their regular programming, the men have organized several charitable events to support meaningful causes beyond prison walls.
When the idea of supporting Rancho Cielo was brought to the group, the response was overwhelmingly positive. Many of the facilitators saw in Rancho Cielo’s mission a reflection of their hopes—providing second chances, structure and support to young people who might otherwise fall through the cracks.
“Rancho Cielo is doing the work we wish had been available to us earlier in life,” one participant shared. “Supporting their mission is our way of giving back and paying it forward.”
AVP Program Coordinator Frances “Pinkie” Weesner was first introduced to AVP in 2013 at a Community Alliance for Safety and Peace (CASP) meeting. Moved by the presenters and the program’s purpose, she signed up for a Basic AVP Workshop at the former Hebbron Community Center in Salinas. The following year, she completed her Advanced Workshop at CTF and facilitator training at the Center for Peace and Justice in Santa Cruz.
“Nothing separates me from the workshop participants and facilitators as human beings,” Weesner recalls. “Life has taken us down different paths, but we are all one in our humanity.”
Though she facilitated infrequently for several years, Pinkie remained dedicated to the program, cherishing every opportunity to contribute. At one youth workshop, she even reconnected with two former elementary school students. About three years ago, she began facilitating one to two workshops per month at both CTF and Salinas Valley State Prison (SVSP). After retiring, she was invited to step into the role of Program Coordinator for AVP at CTF—a position she officially assumed a year ago, under the guidance of her predecessor.
Today, 20% of the CTF population has participated in at least one AVP workshop. Over 100 men have been trained as facilitators, with about 80 actively leading monthly workshops in the North and Central Facilities. The AVP community at CTF is thriving, and it plays a vital role, alongside other transformative programs, in preparing participants for successful reintegration into society.
That connection between personal transformation and community opportunity is what made Rancho Cielo such a natural recipient. Just as AVP equips incarcerated men with tools for self-awareness, empathy and change, Rancho Cielo provides at-promise youth with a path forward through education, job training and holistic support. The men at CTF recognize how vital that kind of intervention can be—and what’s possible when someone believes in your potential.
The recent food sale was made possible through the generous support of local partners, including Salinas Costco and Salinas City BBQ. Both went above and beyond in coordinating and delivering food to CTF. Costco employees baked pizzas on-site, while the BBQ team prepared and served smoked meats, making the fundraiser a powerful example of community collaboration—and of what can be accomplished when transformation is a shared goal.
“It was a great experience working with AVP on this order, and how many hands were involved to help Rancho Cielo make this fundraiser happen,” Costco Operations Manager (#472 Salinas) Francisco M. Montejano says. “What an inspiration to see the teamwork and structure involved throughout the events leading up to the day of the fundraiser. To be a part of an impactful event is an honor.”
