San Rafael, CA – With a special event December 16, Marin County will provide a proper and sincere round of applause to probationers who renewed personal commitments with help from the Marin County Probation Department and overcame adversity.
Motivational speaker Michael Pritchard, shown during last year's Wall of Change ceremony, plans to be back again this year.
The second annual event starts at 3 p.m. December 16 in the Board of Supervisors chamber at the Marin County Civic Center in San Rafael. Nationally renowned motivational speaker and former probation officer Michael Pritchard will once again be the keynote speaker. Chief Probation Officer Michael Daly said his staff will recognize individuals who have been successful with law-abiding progress through treatment, education and perseverance.
“We’re excited to recognize these individuals who have made positive changes,” Daly said. “A rehabilitated person is no longer a public safety issue. Everybody in our Marin communities benefits when people make the most of their second chances and become high-functioning contributors to society.”
The recipients have all received credit through the Probation Department’s Wall of Change recognition program. Those who enter the Probation Department office at the Civic Center can see photos and short stories posted on the Wall of Change about probationers who have been committed to leading safe and sober lives and subsequently experienced stability and personal triumph. The display was designed to inspire new clients and prove that positive results are achievable.
“It’s not only a commitment by the probationer that leads to positive changes,” Daly said. “This is also a recognition of our Probation Officers and all others working so hard to create a positive environment and providing opportunities. To be on our staff, you need to have the skills and mindset of a social worker but also have some accountability and law enforcement orientation. It takes a special breed of person to support somebody who has had trouble with the law, with alcohol or drugs, mental illness or just had a hard life. All of our criminal justice partners and providers have a common goal and commitment to make our community safe while providing excellent service.”
The Wall of Change recognition event is open to the public. The Board chamber is in Suite 330 of the Civic Center, at 3501 Civic Center Drive, San Rafael.
All public meetings and events sponsored or conducted by the County of Marin are held at accessible sites. If you are a person with a disability and require information or materials in alternative formats – or if you require accommodation to participate in a county program, service or activity – please contact department staff at (415) 473-7331 or (415) 473-4381 (voice/TTY) or e-mail disabilityaccess@marincounty.org.