GEO Reentry to co-host resource fair for ex-offenders in Santa Ana

The Orange County Re-Entry Partnership, Contra Costa County Office of Education and GEO Reentry Services are hosting the Reentry Resource Fair on May 12 for formerly incarcerated individuals to help connect them with jobs, schools and other reentry resources.

The fair is being held at the Santa Ana Elks Lodge, 212 S. Elks Lane, from noon to 2 p.m.

Studies have shown one of the barriers to reentry for ex-offenders is the difficulty in finding employment. A steady source of income provides stability and decreases the risk of recidivism, but often ex-offenders find it difficult to secure jobs.

By attending the resource fair, ex-offenders are able to gain valuable resources in their communities and find support amongst agencies dedicated to helping them find success in their new lives.

Many local organizations will be on hand to deliver housing, employment, health, educational and veteran services, including Connecting Bridges Together; Veterans First; Working Wardrobes Vet net; Health Advocates (SSI/SSDI); Illumination Foundation; OC Clean Slate Reentry Clinic;  OC Public Defender for document help; Volunteers of America; CSP’s Youth Offender Wraparound; Women Transitional Learning Center; Salvation Army Hospitality; Orange County Contra Costa Education; and Taller San Jose, among others.

A collaboration of more than 50 agencies and organizations, OCREP is dedicated to reducing criminal recidivism in Orange County by creating linkages between the formerly incarcerated and the community based programs available to help them.

GEO Reentry operates a day reporting center in Santa Ana for the Orange County Probation Department and a day reporting center in Santa Ana for the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.

Our day reporting centers provide evidence-based treatment, including techniques and classes proven through research to reduce recidivism. Offenders must adhere to certain requirements to maintain eligibility for the rehabilitative program.

Read more about our approach, here.

Anyone interested in attending the fair should dress professionally and bring several copies of their resume. For more information about the resource fair, contact Yadira DeSantiago, Santa Ana program manager, at 714-541-7272.