Sergio Ortiz, serving as a GTF. Completed 24 years on a gang-related murder which led to a 15 to life sentence and ultimately granted parole on November 21, 2022. Understanding the consequences of being involved in a violent lifestyle and the pain it caused his victims, both
directly and indirectly to the general community, came through constant self-evaluation, several programs that include GRIP, and spiritual guidance. As a GTF, he continues to offer others the opportunity to learn to deal with life on life’s terms and not in the way many are accustomed to. After working in the Substance Use Disorder Program as a peer mentor within a prison facility and witnessing the positive change in those dealing with the anger that led to their violent behaviors, he adopted the belief that no one is ever beyond being able to change.