Photo credit: Barbara Troyer

Photo credit: Barbara Troyer

Prison Project

Center for Compassionate Living at Deer Ridge Correctional Institution in Madras


Since 2010, I’ve had the privilege and the pleasure of working with hundreds of inmates at the Madras facility. Participants take an 8-week Compassionate / Nonviolent Communication (NVC) class called Communicating for Life and can then join a weekly NVC practice group. The two classes of 14 students and an inmate assistant regularly fill up.

All of the men at Deer Ridge will be releasing back to their communities within four years, and many are eager to gain new skills that will help them have more successful lives for themselves and their families.  They are so appreciative to learn and practice skills that will help them be better fathers, husbands, providers, and contributing community members.

Here’s an example of a thank you to Center for Compassionate Living (CCL) donors from one inmate:

“NVC has helped me in connecting with others. It has also helped me in listening and finding out what others may want and need without causing a fight. I have really been able to relax and start a better relationship with family and friends. Thank you, Samuel.”

We've shared more gratitudes below.

The cost for the Deer Ridge program is about $4,800 per year. I volunteer my time, so the cost is for the 100-mile round trip twice a week and supplies for the classes. 

I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to work with the men at Deer Ridge, and I so appreciate your support and caring. Thank you, ~ Bryn

If you would like to help us provide the opportunity for men at Deer Ridge to improve themselves, please send your check to: 

Center for Compassionate Living
c/o Denise Torres
1516 NE Locksley Drive
Bend, OR 97701

Or if it’s more convenient, you can donate through PayPal.