Many California inmates reoffend after they are released from prison. Specifically, about 46 percent were convicted of a subsequent crime within three years of release. The primary goal of rehabilitation programs is to reduce the level of recidivism and disrupt the cycles of incarceration, poverty and addiction by helping people find their way to self-sufficiency.

FOCUS believes in second chances.  A new beginning, with life skills and tangible behavioral changes through counseling and training can be achieved.  By working with agencies providing the support needed for those formerly incarcerated, a fresh start is possible.

Second Chance

To disrupt the cycles of incarceration and poverty by helping youth find their way to self-sufficiency.   Programs offered include:
1) Youthful Offender Rehabilitation Program;
2) Youth Garden Program;
3) Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Youth Program;
4) STRIVE-Future Leaders re-entry Project.

Youth programs are focused on helping young people overcome neglect, abuse, criminal backgrounds, addiction and other generational barriers to achieving self-sufficiency. The 8 week Youth Garden Project gives young people hands on community garden work, nutritional classes and workforce training.

Projects:  

• 5 additional Chrome books to enable each youth to participate in class.
• Contributed to the Youth Garden Project by purchasing compost, fertilizer, digging forks, loppers noise reduction ear buds and various other garden supplies.
• Notebooks, games and puzzles for group participation.
• Emergency undergarments, clothing items and men’s dress shoes for the lending closet to provide necessary clothing for job interviews.