San Rafael, CA – One of the most emotional and heartwarming ceremonies each year at the Marin County Civic Center is the Wall of Change event hosted by the Marin County Probation Department. It shines a spotlight on people involved in the criminal justice system who have been inspired to turn their lives in a positive direction.
Former probationer Alfred Carr motivates the audience with his personal success story during a past Wall of Change event.The ceremony, set for 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, January 18, is a real-life demonstration of how being placed on probation doesn’t have to be a permanent blemish on one’s record. When offenders accept responsibility for their actions and embrace the mentoring of probation officers, they can become positive examples for others. Only then do they become eligible for recognition on the department’s Wall of Change. It is reserved only for the department’s top success stories of the past year.
Probation Chief Marlon Washington said it is a pleasure to acknowledge and celebrate the 2022 Wall of Change nominees who have overcome life-altering barriers.
“Every individual represented was nominated based on their own illustration of resilience, which led to success,” Washington said. “Change minds, change results!”
Some people who have run into trouble and found themselves on probation face self-doubt about their ability to recover, act responsibly and lead a productive life. Compounding the challenge are the detrimental social labels placed on probationers and a lack of support systems in the community.
Those who enter the Probation Department office at the Civic Center can see photos and short stories posted on the Wall of Change. There, probationers who have committed to leading safe and sober lives and subsequently experienced stability and personal triumph receive public credit for their accomplishments. The stories 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.
Registration is open for the Wall of Change recognition event which will take place in the Board of Supervisors chamber at the Marin County Civic Center, 3501 Civic Center Drive, Suite 330 in San Rafael. Refreshments will be served at 2:30 p.m. and the ceremony begins at 3.
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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 by e-mail.