San Rafael, CA – For some, life in Marin County has more challenges than others. People who have run into trouble and found themselves on probation face stiff skepticism and self-doubt if they choose a road toward recovery, responsibility and productivity. Who believes they can turn their lives around?
Probation Chief Mike Daly (center, rear) poses with some of the past recipients of the Wall of Change recognition after last year's ceremony.Each year, the
Marin County Probation Department celebrates personal success stories through its
Wall of Change recognition ceremony, which this year is taking place at 2:30 p.m. December 12 in the Board of Supervisors chamber at the Marin County Civic Center in San Rafael.
Those who enter the Probation Department office at the Civic Center can see photos and short stories posted on the so-called Wall of Change. There, probationers who have committed to leading safe and sober lives and subsequently experienced stability and personal triumph receive a little bit of public credit for their accomplishments. The framed stories and photos include a first-person account from the probationer and words from their assigned probation officer. Year after year, those new to probation often make it a goal to appear on the Wall of Change.
“This event is designed to inspire new clients and prove that positive results are achievable,” said Probation Chief Mike Daly. “These people being honored have overcome barriers to success that a lot of people in Marin do not face. In a lot of cases, nobody has ever given them credit for doing anything. At this ceremony, they’ll be honored and feel the support from the Presiding Judge Paul Haakenson, who will be handing out the certificates.”
Daly and his staff plan to honor some of the original honorees and make a special tribute to a Wall of Change recipient who was a victim of the recent shooting at the Helen Vine Recovery Center in San Rafael. The crowd in the Board of Supervisors chamber gets larger every year with families and friends of the honorees as well as folks serving in the criminal justice departments.
“The public needs to hear the good stories coming out of the justice system,” Daly said. “It takes a tremendous effort to inspire people who have taken some wrong steps to get back on the right path. Our staff work very hard to help probationers overcome abuse, trauma, addiction, and a lack of employment skills to become contributors in their community.”
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.