From KGET 

Bakersfield, Calif. – June 27, 2025 –  Multiple individuals took a step toward bettering themselves Wednesday night through a program offered by the Kern County Probation Department.

On June 25, the Kern County Probation Department celebrated graduates with a ceremony Wednesday night in east Bakersfield.

The guests of honor are those who successfully completed the department’s in-house program, which is anywhere from six months to a year. Organizers say the program gives people a second chance, by helping them change bad habits, learn valuable skills and ultimately realize personal growth.

Proud family members and friends were on hand to celebrate the group’s accomplishments.

“Some of them have already completed probation successfully and continue on with the program. Some of them are still on probation, but they are on a new journey,” said Michael Ortiz, a probation supervisor. “Some of them have gotten jobs, some have gotten stabilization in homelessness or mental health. They are on the up and up and becoming a productive member of our society.”

Supervisors say it’s important to note, no matter what you have done – you can keep moving forward and become a better person

Read the full article and watch video recap here.