A remarkable achievement
100% success rate for peer support certification test in CCWF
On Dec. 3, 2025, members of the Peer Support Specialist Program (PSSP) at Central California Women’s Facility (CCWF) gathered in Visiting to commemorate a monumental achievement: all 28 Peer Support Specialists passing their certification test, a 100% success rate.
“This is amazing,” PSSP coordinator Olivia Frantz said, in reference to all 28 incarcerated individuals passing their test. “I am so proud. I know they worked very hard and were very dedicated to their studies to pass the exam.”
PSSP trains incarcerated participants to provide a wide range of support to new arrivals to the Reception Center, to general population residents, to residents of the Skilled Nursing Facility and to the CCWF staff in general. In their roles, PSSP facilitate groups and provide information on many subjects, including reentry and health-related issues.
The certification test was administered over a year after the PSSP began at CCWF. The test consisted of 150 questions and was proctored by two outside staff members to ensure the test’s integrity. Test results were received approximately one month after they were taken. The test PSSP participants took was the same as what is administered in the community.
The certification not only increases the pay an incarcerated individual can earn while incarcerated but also offers transferable job skills when they are released. According to Frantz, there are many peer support positions available in the community.
The intimate ceremony included members of the PSSP as well as their direct supervisors and healthcare personnel. Despite the coldness of the room due to a broken heater, the warmth from the shared achievement filled the space.
“I feel very proud of myself,” said Tauney Van Sickle, for having completed her peer support training and certification test. Not only was Van Sickle able to complete her training while enrolled in college, “I did this in prison,” she shared.
The ceremony opened with congratulations to all who had worked so diligently and immediately segued into lunch being served so all assembled could enjoy hot food. As everyone happily ate Rally’s burgers and fries, Lt. Ronald Ramirez, PSSP’s custody supervisor and event emcee, remarked, “I am so proud of everyone. What the state has implemented with this program will reverberate across the institution.”
Participants mingled with one another, enjoying the multicolored balloons, streamers, and handcrafted banners. An eclectic mix of music provided a relaxed atmosphere as photos were snapped and hugs given.
“It feels great,” shared Lena Coleman. “Not just my goal being achieved, but in being allowed to serve my community and being productive. It’s a me thing, but more so a we thing.”
