Locals Thriving After Incarceration Celebrated In Marin County For Their Resilience

MARIN COUNTY, CA — Twenty-four probation clients were honored on April 15 at the Probation Department’s annual Wall of Change ceremony at the Marin Center’s Showcase Theater for demonstrating personal growth, officials said.

The event, which has evolved into a full day of recognition over the past 15 years, featured recovery coach Alan Miller as emcee and Elissa Lasserre, executive director of the New Beginnings Law Center, as the keynote speaker. The program was led by probation director Terry Wright.

Honorees Mollie Banducci and Jon Haag shared powerful testimonies of redemption. Banducci, who spent over 12 years in and out of the criminal justice system due to drugs and crime, spoke about her transformation.

“Today is more than a ceremony for me. It’s a turning point,” she said. “I stand here clean. I stand here present. I stand here as a mother who is showing up, as a woman who is learning to love herself again, and as someone who finally understands her worth.”

Haag, after a career with the government, found himself with two DUIs in four months. He credited a 12-step program and his deputy probation officer for his sobriety and the opportunity to rebuild relationships. He said he is now actively involved with the Sonoma County Fellowship AA community.

All honorees received awards from Wright and Judge Stephen P. Freccero of the Marin County Superior Court. The crowd included County of Marin leaders, community members, family and Probation Department staff.

“The Wall of Change Ceremony is a powerful reminder that people are more than their past mistakes,” said Marlon Washington, Chief Probation Officer and Interim Assistant County Executive. “It represents the collective effort we make every day to collaborate with our partners and ensure our clients have the tools and opportunities to thrive.”

Find out more at the Marin County Probation Department.