GEO Reentry believes community involvement is an important component in reducing recidivism and ensuring our neighborhoods remain safe and connected. As our participants immerse themselves in their communities, they’re not only able to give back but are also actively contributing toward the well-being of others.
The Mendocino County Day Reporting Center and the Fresno County Day Reporting Center, non-residential GEO Reentry programs, recently partnered with several youth-oriented organizations as a way to give back to others in similar situations.
Participants from the Mendocino County DRC teamed up with The Arbor, an organization dedicated to empowering and supporting at-risk youth so they can become independent, successful adults. Participants used their artistic abilities to make inspirational cards for youth, and participants and staff had a great time delivering the cards. Participants also teamed up with a group of young adults to create a potpourri craft project. Both these initiatives allowed GEO Reentry participants to serve as mentors to at-risk youth and share with them their own experiences and successes.
In addition, the program manager of the Fresno County DRC recently attended Hope Now for Youth’s 25th annual banquet. Hope Now For Youth helps bring young people out of gangs and into productive lives through loving relationships and jobs. At the banquet, a GEO Reentry participant shared his testimony with those in attendance. The program manager said it was wonderful to see one of our own share his struggles and use those struggles, as well as his current progress in our program, to inspire others.
Read more about GEO Reentry’s approach to non-residential reentry.