On September 28, 2024, Paid in Full California (PIFC) and the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) made history with the official launch of the first-ever moral rehabilitation education program inside Mule Creek State Prison. This event marked a first for CDCR, as well as a significant step toward transforming prison culture in California.

 

For the first time, 1,500 incarcerated citizens gathered together on one yard to celebrate this milestone and hear about the mission of the program. This unprecedented turnout demonstrated the widespread interest, hope, and excitement surrounding the opportunity for faith-based education and leadership development inside California’s prison system.

 

Several CDCR leaders, including Secretary Jeff Macomber, attended the event to show their support for the program and its potential to bring lasting change within correctional facilities. Also in attendance was Burl Cain, the founder of the Prison Seminaries Foundation and the Secretary of the Mississippi Department of Corrections, whose groundbreaking work in Angola Prison inspired this program.

 

A major highlight of the event was the participation of the Soldiers of the Cross Motorcycle Club, whose presence added a powerful visual representation of brotherhood, redemption, and faith in action. In a groundbreaking moment for CDCR, the Soldiers of the Cross were granted permission to bring 25 of their motorcycles onto the prison yard—a historic first for the department. This symbolic gesture underscored the growing partnership between faith-based organizations and prison leadership, demonstrating a shared commitment to rehabilitation, restoration, and second chances.

 

The event was more than just a ceremony—it was a celebration of hope and new beginnings. To mark the occasion, a hotdog barbecue was hosted for all in attendance, with over 2,000 hotdogs served. The gathering provided a unique opportunity for fellowship between incarcerated citizens, prison staff, and program leaders, reinforcing the mission of PIFC to build community, leadership, and moral rehabilitation behind prison walls.

 

This historic event set the stage for what is to come, as Paid in Full California continues to expand its reach and impact within CDCR facilities. The overwhelming support from incarcerated individuals, correctional leadership, and faith-based organizations is a testament to the power of moral rehabilitation education in restoring lives, reshaping prison culture, and creating a pathway for lasting transformation.