El Dorado County (Dec 8 2023) – In a remarkable testament to personal transformation and commitment to community service, Mindi Paxiao has been bestowed with the prestigious Tim Fitzharris Award for Non-Probation Employee by the Chief Probation Officers of California (CPOC). This accolade recognizes Mindi’s exceptional journey from a person under formal supervision to a valuable contributor at El Dorado County’s Health & Human Services Agency.
Mindi’s inspiring narrative unfolds as she transitioned from formal supervision to becoming an influential panelist at the CPOC-sponsored SB 678 Conference in Sacramento in 2020. Her insights into the evolution of community corrections in El Dorado County, drawn from her personal experience, captivated the audience and underscored the transformative power of rehabilitation.
Following her impactful appearance at the conference, Mindi’s journey took her to Big Brother/Big Sisters, where she served as a program manager dedicated to supporting at-risk youth and their families. Her role involved connecting them with vital supportive services, marking a significant stride in her commitment to community welfare.
Subsequently, Mindi joined the County Health and Human Services Agency as a Program Assistant, working directly with Justice-Involved individuals at the Department’s Community Corrections Center—a facility she herself had graduated from just a few years prior. Her story serves as a beacon of hope, illustrating the potential for positive change even after facing legal challenges.
This year, Mindi’s dedication caught the attention of the Chief Probation Officer, who selected her as his alternate representative to the El Dorado County Commission for Youth in Families. Currently in the review process for a position as a Deputy Probation Officer in El Dorado County, Mindi stands as a living testament to the transformative power of rehabilitation and commitment to community improvement.
Mindi’s remarkable journey has not only shattered stereotypes but also altered perceptions within the probation and correctional community. From once being on active supervision to now working alongside Deputy Probation Officers as a trusted peer and colleague, Mindi has effectively changed hearts and minds. Her advocacy and support for at-risk youth and justice-involved individuals have played a pivotal role in creating safer and more inclusive communities.
As we celebrate Mindi Paxiao’s well-deserved recognition with the Tim Fitzharris Award, her story serves as an inspiration and a powerful reminder of the positive impact that individuals, given the right opportunities and support, can make in building safer and more compassionate communities.
