The Oasis program is a Therapeutic Community within the ODRC. The Therapeutic Communities' basic approach of treating the whole person through the use of the peer community addresses everything from Substance Abuse, Family, Education, Vocational Training, and Medical & Mental Health. It is a self-help approach that evolved primarily outside of traditional psychiatry, psychology, and medicine.
There are several Therapeutic Communities within ODRC but Oasis is the most recognized due to the 12-15 month completion timeline, complex structure, and 30+ years of evidence based treatment.
I transferred to the Oasis Program at PCI prison in late summer 2023 to participate in this program and let me tell you what! My first couple days here I was like WTF did I just sign up for? This was my second prison transfer in the last year and before PCI I was Cadre at the Corrections Reception Center and it took me 10+ years to earn the privilege of becoming a Cadre. One of my mentors at CRC, Mr. Stewart, was the Mental Health Administrator and had been the Director for 11 years of Tapestry which is a Therapeutic Community at Ohio Reformatory for Women. He recommended I participate in Oasis. So after 8 months I transferred from CRC for the OASIS program and I now am thinking I made a huge mistake. The shock was coming from me being in a routine for the past 19+ years where I pretty much did what I wanted to and controlled my day. My journey towards change was well on its way in that I have been ticket free, received associates degrees, gained respect from staff and had jobs that only trusted inmates could work etc; however, this new path was different. The discomfort was instant. Also there was no such thing as minding your own business or having the option to not follow rules that seemed petty and pointless. See in prison you mind your own business and in Oasis everyone and everything IS your business because you’re one big happy family and have the responsibility to hold your brother accountable. I have to admit this piece was a challenge for me.
It took some getting use to and during the last 5 months I've quit 10 maybe 20 times, in my mind only of course haha!!! One thing I can say for an absolute fact is I've learned more about myself and the core issues behind the destructive behaviors and ways of thinking that have prevented me from identifying with my true self and becoming the best version of myself than any other program. I can't leave out my best friend and love of my life Tish, because even my counselor in Oasis knows she's been such a help and brought out the best in me and challenged me in ways no one else could. She's also witnessed how beneficial Oasis has been in my personal transformation. Oasis has been a blessing and it is one of the most underestimated programs within the ODRC.
I will continue to share my personal growth and experiences during my time here in Oasis because through my experiences I hope to encourage everyone and show you all that recovery is possible even in a place like prison.
