Edwingarcia, 42

My name is Edwin Garcia. I am a Career Chef with 15 yrs experience, now a mentor in the P.L.U.S. for 8 years. I use my skills to uplift others, share hope and build community while serving my time with purpose and growth.

Before my incarceration, I built a career as a professional chef holding an A.A. in Culinary Arts and spending over 15 years in the kitchen. Cooking has always been more than a Job for me -- it's a way of creating joy, comfort and connection through food. That same sense of care, creativity and discipline that guided me as a chef has carried over into my life inside these walls. What defines me now is the way that I have chosen this time. For over eight years, I've served as a facilitator, aide and mentor in the P.L.U.S. program (Purposefully Living Units Serve) is more than just a program--it's a family, a support system, and a community of people dedicated to changing themselves and uplifting others. Through my role, I've had the opportunity to guide men toward accountability, personal growth, and new ways of thinking. I help create and environment where hope is possible and where people can believe in themselves again. My connection to the inmate community is something I take to heart. Just like in the kitchen where every person plays a part in creating a successful meal, I've learned that inside prison, we must all contribute to creating a culture of respect, responsibility, and purpose. My work in the P.L.U.S program allows me to transform my own struggles into something meaningful for others. I know I can't change the past, but I can invest in the present and future by helping those around me. At my core, I am still that chef who believes in serving others--only now, I serve through mentorship guidance and compassion. My hope is to continue building that connection with the inmate community, leaving behind not just a sentenced served, but a legacy of growth, accountability and positive impact.