Union City, OK — June 6, 2025 — The CPM Forge Your Trail program celebrated the graduation of its second cohort from the “On My Shoulders” parenting-skills course at the Union City Community Correctional Center (UCCCC). After seven weeks of instruction, six inmates successfully completed the program, which is designed to help incarcerated fathers strengthen their parenting abilities ahead of reentry into their families and communities.

“We are very pleased with how the classes have gone at Union City,” said Barbara Perkins, Director of the Forge Your Trail program. “These men are preparing for release, and they’re eager to apply what they’ve learned to reconnect with their children in meaningful ways.”

Program Coordinator Allan Rowe echoed the sentiment, adding, “The inmates and staff at the facility have been incredibly respectful and supportive. We frequently hear from participants how grateful they are for the opportunity to take part in this program.”

Each Wednesday, Forge Your Trail staff traveled to UCCCC to lead a three-hour class session. On Fridays, coaches returned to provide one-on-one and small-group coaching, deepening the impact of the curriculum through personalized support. Over the course of the program, participants built strong relationships with their coaches and program administrators, fostering open and insightful discussions.

“I really enjoyed working with these guys,” said FYT coach Christine Gausden. “We always learn so much from each other.”

Coach Dylan Miller added, “It’s rewarding to see them grow, but we also gain a lot from their perspectives.”

Coach Frank Rodriquez reflected on the depth of the conversations: “I’m often surprised by the insight these men bring. Their life experiences give them a unique lens through which they engage with the material—often in ways that differ from our non-incarcerated participants.”

Forge Your Trail plans to launch a third cohort of the “On My Shoulders” program at UCCCC in September 2025.