CALCTRA

08/25/2026

Dave's Killer Bread is one of the country’s most recognized bread brands. But behind the brand is an incredible story of second chances, skill-building, and purpose. In this episode of Prison to Purpose, Dave Dahl shares how the skills he learned through a job training program while incarcerated helped shape his future and played a role in building a multimillion-dollar company.

Hear how Dave and his family built a successful business, how he’s giving back to his community, and how he continues to help transform lives.

Dave recently visited CALCTRA programs inside CACorrections Folsom State Prison and San Quentin Rehabilitation Center, connecting with Autodesk and The Last Mile participants and seeing firsthand the impact of these programs. A powerful story of entrepreneurship, service, second chances, and making a difference.

His story is a powerful reminder: where you start doesn’t have to determine where you finish. Hear Dave Dahl’s inspiring story on Prison to Purpose — OUT NOW!

Episode 17 - The Story Behind the Killer Bread: Dave Dahl's Journey...

08/21/2026

Check it out! Dave Dahl co-founder of Dave’s Killer Bread, visited CALCTRA programs at CACorrections Folsom State Prison. He inspired and encouraged individuals in our job training programs. When Dave was incarcerated in Oregon, he says it was the AutoCAD/drafting program that helped him when he got out to start his business. CALCTRA offers AutoCAD and the students in that program got to hear how Dave grew his business which he ended up selling for $275 million dollars. He said it was not about the money, but doing something you love to do. He now gives back and the individuals got to show off their projects and ask him questions.
Dave is sharing more of his own powerful journey on CALCTRA’s Prison to Purpose podcast. His episode drops next Tuesday! Follow along and hear Dave’s story of second chances, transformation and finding purpose.

Watch and listen to new episodes of Prison to Purpose: Building Futures Behind Bars on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/

08/20/2026

Dave Dahl, founder of Dave’s Killer Bread, was featured on KCRA 3 News to talk about his incredible journey, second chances and his visit to CALCTRA's podcast Prison to Purpose.

Dave’s powerful story will be featured on the latest episode of Prison to Purpose: Building Futures Behind Bars, premiering next Tuesday!

Hear Dave share his story of transformation, purpose and the journey that helped create a multi-million dollar company.

Check out the story here: youtube.com/watch?v=TCKF-zwTa6k&feature=youtu.be

08/11/2026

From learning hands on training in metal fabrication and computer-aided design, to building a successful career, Louis Frazier’s journey is a powerful example of the impact of opportunity and second chances. After graduating from CALCTRA’s Metal Fabrication and Computer-Aided Design (Auto-CAD) programs, Louis used the training and experience he gained to create a new path after incarceration. Hear how education, determination, and vocational training helped shape his success on this episode of Prison to Purpose.

In this episode of Prison to Purpose, we sit down with Louis Frazie...

07/28/2026

Go inside the walls of CALCTRA's Braille Program and hear firsthand from incarcerated individuals as they share how learning the specialized skill of Braille transcription is changing their lives. The Braille program at CACorrections Folsom State Prison has demonstrated exceptional long-term outcomes, with nearly all graduates remaining out of prison after release. Listen to this inspiring episode of Prison to Purpose and discover how one program is making a difference, one page at a time.

Episode 15 - Translating Hope - Inside Folsom State Prison Part 2...

07/16/2026

Congratulations to the CALCTRA graduates at CACorrections Centinela State Prison (CEN). Graduates were honored for receiving their job certifications and apprenticeships. These certifications will help them find meaningful careers when they return to their communities. Thank you to our speakers: CALCTRA Director Suzie Changus, Chief Deputy Warden Black, and former CALCTRA graduate and success story Tony Curtis. Mr. Curtis graduated from CALCTRA’s Healthcare Facilities Maintenance program and former General Facilities Maintenance and Repair program. He is now the co-owner of Cyberdyne Solar, which was the first company to partner with two major retail chains in the Southern California area. Mr. Curtis is also a Senior Pastor at a local church. Way to go graduates!

07/15/2026

What does it take to transform lives through education, purpose, and meaningful work? In this episode of Prison to Purpose, we sit down with CALCTRA's Braille Program Correctional Training Manager, Joe Marti, to discuss the life-changing impact of one of California's most unique correctional job training programs. Hear firsthand what it takes to teach the specialized skill of Braille transcription, the dedication participants bring to the classroom each day, and the incredible transformation that occurs when individuals are given the opportunity to learn, grow, and serve others. Don't miss this inspiring conversation about purpose, possibility, and the lasting impact of second chances.

Episode 14- Translating Hope: How the Braille Program is Changing L...

06/30/2026

In this inspiring episode of Prison to Purpose, we share the remarkable story of David Tucker—a man who transformed his life after incarceration and went on to become the CEO and Founder of a life-saving technology company. What began as a journey of personal redemption evolved into a mission to create innovative technology that helps save lives and strengthen communities. Tune in to hear how David Tucker turned adversity into innovation and built a future defined by impact, leadership, and hope.

Episode 13 - Second Chance to a Life-Saving MissionIn this episode...

06/23/2026

Congratulations to Suzie Changus, CALCTRA new Director who was just appointed today by the California Correctional Training and Rehabilitation Board.

Ms. Changus was officially sworn in by Jason Johnson, Acting Chair of the Board.

Ms. Changus has worked for CALCTRA, formerly CALPIA, for eight years. She has been serving as Acting Director since January 2026 and prior to her current role she served as CALCTRA’s Chief Deputy Director from 2023-2025 and Chief Information Officer from 2018-2023. Prior to CALCTRA, Ms. Changus has more than two decades of experience in the private and nonprofit sectors. Her background consists of roles in vocational education and retraining, technology, project management, government policy and finance, and healthcare. Ms. Changus has a Bachelor of Science degree in Information Technology from the University of Phoenix and a Master of Business Administration degree from California State University, Sacramento.

Ms. Changus will oversee CALCTRA, a self-supporting state entity that provides life-changing career development opportunities to thousands of incarcerated individuals in all California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation prisons.

The mission of CALCTRA is to ensure that incarcerated individuals may be productive, successful contributors when they return to their communities. The organization prioritizes rehabilitation through job training programs and supports fair chances.

Check out the Press Release here:
https://www.calctra.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/calctra/news/PressRelease-2026-06-23-CALCTRA.pdf

06/16/2026

Check out the newest episode of Prison to Purpose! From incarceration to union apprentice, Ray Williams' journey is a powerful story of resilience, growth, and second chances. In this episode, Ray shares how CALCTRA gave him the training, mentorship, and support to build a new future in the skilled trades. His story is proof that when opportunity meets commitment, transformation is possible. Check it out now!

Episode 12 - Built for Change: Ray Williams’ Second ChanceIn this...