African American Culturally Specific Re-entry Program using the H.E.A.T. (Habilitation Empowerment Accountability Therapy)

SESSION INFO

Monday, February 26, 2024
3:30 PM - 5:00 PM
Session Type: Workshop

The program begins within the prison system itself, where inmates that have been identified as; scheduled for release to Multnomah County within 12 to18 months. To be considered, African American inmates must be willing to voluntarily participate in the program. Those with significant criminal histories, and criminogenic needs may be considered, after AAP staff, and the Department of Corrections Program Manager review their institution history, and behavior for risk. After the inmate is approved, the DOC program manager facilitates the transfer from any institution in the State of Oregon to Columbia River Correctional Institution (CRCI). CRCI is where AAP is located. The inmate will participate in group, and individual, counseling sessions focusing on their positive transition back to their communities. Inmates must make a commitment to lifestyle, and perception changes that will enable them to deal with the issues that contribute to the cycle of crime, and imprisonment-behavior within the prison system. They must demonstrate this commitment or inmates may be expelled from the program. Upon release, the Program Staff immediately assume supervision under the authority of African American Parole

SESSION PRESENTERS

Bruce Douglas
Corrections Counselor, Multnomah County Community Justice


Bruce Douglas is a native of Grambling, Louisiana and is a 1983 graduate of Grambling State University. There he majored in Criminal Justice, followed by obtaining a Master’s Degree in Counseling and Human Development at Troy State University, Montgomery (Alabama) in 1987. Subsequently, upon working in various governmental capacities, Bruce began his career with Multnomah County (Oregon) in 1995 for the Sheriff’s Office as an Alcohol & Drug Evaluation Specialist, and Corrections Counselor. He then transferred to the Department of Community Justice (DCJ), Adult Division, in 2002 working in various departments up until beginning his current assignment in 2015 as the Corrections Counselor for the African American Program. Bruce and his wife of 39 years have lived abroad, enjoy traveling, attending spiritually uplifting events and going on walks. They have two adult children.


Choo Fair
Corrections Counselor, Multnomah County Community Justice


Dondrae “Choo” Fair Multnomah County Corrections Counselor Dondrea Fair known to everyone as “Choo” is a Corrections Counselor for Multnomah County Department of Community Justice in Portland Oregon. As a Corrections Counselor Choo teaches Habilitation Empowerment Accountability Therapy known as HEAT to African men ages 18-25 in the criminal justice system who are gang affected. Choo is a lifelong resident of Portland Oregon with lived experience and compassion that enables him to develop deep relationships with his clients. Prior to working for Multnomah County Choo was a Case Manager for Portland Opportunity Industrialized Center (POIC) working with gang impacted youth and before that a Mentor for Volunteers of America also helping gang impacted youth. In his spare time Choo enjoys spending time with his family and the occasional fine cigar. He can be contacted at Choo.fair@multco.us


Carl Green
Parole/Probation Officer, Multnomah County Community Justice


Carl Green is a Sworn Community Justice Manager for the Multnomah County Department of Community Justice in Portland Oregon, where he manages the African American Program, Gang Unit, Latino Program and Electronic Monitoring Program. Preceding his current assignment, Carl managed the East County Generic unit, Change Center, and Sex Crimes Unit. Carl is a graduate of the Multnomah County Leadership Academy and the American Probation and Parole Association Leadership Institute. He received his Bachelors of Art from Washington State University prior to entering the field as a Probation/Parole Officer. Carl spent 18 years in the Gang Unit where he served as a Lead Officer and was well known for leading successful field missions to enhance public safety and community relations. Prior to becoming a manager, Carl was appointed as the Lead Training Officer in a special unit focused on implementing trauma informed care, brain development and cultural responsiveness in evidence based practices called the SMART GRANT. This unit has been recognized by Harvard University and the Federal Judiciary for their work. Carl is currently a member of the County Diversity, Equity, Steering Committee (DESC), Managers of Color, and the Workforce Equity Strategic Plan Advisory Group. In his spare time, Carl enjoys traveling with his wife and two daughters.


Tomasina Tavai-Porotesano
Probation and Parole Officer, Multnomah County Community Justice


Tomasina Tavai-Porotesano is a Lead Parole Probation Officer for Cultural Responsive Units for the Department of Community Justice of Multnomah County. She has worked for Parole and Probation for over 20 years and currently supervises justice involved African American women. She has dedicated her Parole and Probation career helping clients recognize their potential and making positive changes. Tomasina is passionate about her work, as she genuinely believes people can transform with the appropriate guidance, support and resources. Tomasina graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Northwest Missouri in 1994 and received a Master’s Degree in Public Administration at Portland State University in 1999.


Larry Turner
Clinical Services Specialist, Multnomah County Community Justice


Larry Turner has worked in social services since 1997 with a focus on Behavioral Health (SUD/MH) in African American populations in Portland, Oregon. A clinician with lived experience and graduate of Department of Community Justices African American program earned a degree from Portland Community College in alcohol and drug counseling in 2004. Worked in substance abuse disorder treatment with chronically homeless individuals from detox to county government. Currently works at Multnomah County as a Clinical Services Specialist with a focus on African American/African populations. Has a certification as a Drug and Alcohol Counselor (CADC II), Certified Recovery Mentor (CRM), Certified Gambling Recovery Mentor (CGRM), PSS (Peer Support Specialist), Qualified Mental Health Associate, (QMHA I)