A Conversation with Victoria Porter, Unit Manager/ACC, Casper Re-Entry Center

West Caldwell, NJ April 30 -

How did you get your start working in corrections?

I started my career in corrections by working in a victims services unit where I worked for nine years. I also worked with at-risk youth in the schools by teaching violence prevention. I enjoyed working in the courts and criminal justice system so I began taking classes in 2008 at Casper College and The University of Wyoming in criminal justice with a minor in addictions treatment. I started at the Casper Re-Entry Center as a resident manager in 2008, working nights. I then transferred to case management and supervised the sex offender caseload until getting promoted to case manager supervisor in 2010. Shortly after this my Director placed me in charge of the Federal team and I was sent to Salt Lake City to learn the Federal way! In the last year I was promoted to the ACC Unit Director and this is my dream job.

What do you do in your current role at CRC?

I currently oversee all adult community corrections programs in the halfway house. This includes the residents, security staff and case management staff. What’s important to me is to provide a safe and sober living environment so the residents can become productive members of society. I still keep my office on the unit floor so I am available to all, keeping an open door policy. I also monitor contracts for our customers and work closely with other programs in the community like the Work Force Center and other treatment providers where our residents learn valuable new skills. I also enjoy hosting the Parole Board meeting four times a year. We have an excellent rate of success for parole here at the Casper Re-Entry Center.

What is your advice for someone thinking about a career in reentry and corrections?

If you like challenging work then this is a career path for you. Some days, you can hear some very difficult stories and some residents are unsuccessful but you cannot take it personally. I have learned to compartmentalize these moments and that you cannot blame yourself if some outcomes are not ideal.

What is your proudest moment working at CRC?

I remember thinking one day after the first resident council meeting how happy I was! I formed the resident council here at CRC and the response has been fantastic. Residents have to apply to be a member and it is very well received. We take part in volunteer events in the local community for residents that are approved and recently we did a “Coats for Kids” drive that went very well. These are our role models in the program!

What motivates you to do your job each day?

That is an easy answer. What motivates me is seeing growth. I know we are making a difference in the lives of our residents. So many of our residents have gone on to begin a new career with the skills being provided to them. We currently provide training in welding and trucking through community partnerships and our residents are continuing those careers upon release. They are able to establish new healthy relationships and have a chance of being productive members of the community. It’s not easy work by any means but I am rooting for all of them. I like to compare it to what my mentor said to me, “The brightest stars shine in the darkest places.”

What do you do in your time off for fun?

In my time off, I enjoy being with my children and grandchildren, and my beautiful golden retriever! I am a native to Wyoming and also enjoy camping, boating and travel.