Land Together’s New Partnership with CA State Parks
Creating Dignified Careers in State Parks
Given that sustainable employment is the greatest predictor of successful reentry for people leaving prison, Land Together (LT) prioritizes workforce development programs and services, both inside prisons and in communities, to connect our participants to green sector careers.
LT’s newest green jobs partner is the California State Parks System. We are working closely with the Parks System to grow their understanding of the unique employment barriers for system-impacted people, and support their efforts to pilot a new jobs initiative for people in reentry. The long term vision for the collaboration is to create a network of parks where LT clients will have priority access to job training and green jobs. We are currently working with one district - the Gold Fields District - to intentionally pilot the model and document lessons learned, but we have created relationships with CA Parks recruitment employees, statewide, to support the success of the program and achieve our long-term goals.
After over six months of virtual meetings, we finally gathered in person with the incredible staff from the CA State Parks Gold Fields District for a day of exploration, learning, and connection. This visit was not only an opportunity to witness the beauty and cultural significance of Folsom Powerhouse and Black Miners Bar State Park but also a powerful moment to reflect on the history embedded within these spaces—and how we are actively reshaping it.
The infrastructure of the Folsom Powerhouse was built using prison labor, a sobering reminder of how incarcerated individuals were historically forced into exploitative labor without dignity or choice. The legacy of prison labor is deeply woven into many landscapes across California, yet these histories often remain unspoken. Acknowledging this past is crucial, and at Land Together, we are dedicated to shifting this narrative by providing meaningful career opportunities for formerly incarcerated individuals.
Seeing the enthusiasm and commitment from park staff to support reentry career pathways was truly a breath of fresh air. One of our advisory members, a Land Together in-prison program alum, shares his experience:
Kaleb's words capture the essence of what we are building—genuine opportunities for connection, transformation, and long-term success. When formerly incarcerated individuals secure stable and rewarding jobs, it not only improves their lives but also strengthens the communities they return to.