Improving Adult Re-entry (IAR) Program

The Time for Change Foundation (TFCF) proposes the Improving Adult Re-entry (IAR) program to support adult, women, ex-offenders, in their transition from incarceration to meaningful employment and stable community life. The IAR program aims to serve 240 participants over three years, focusing on San Bernardino County, which has a high density of reentering ex-offenders and significant public health challenges. The program’s purpose is to reduce recidivism rates and improve the overall quality of life for participants by providing comprehensive support services, including pre-release planning, post-release support, and access to critical resources such as housing, employment, and mental health services. TFCF will collaborate with the California Institute for Women (CIW) and local community colleges to offer educational and vocational training, tailored employment services, and essential life skills training. Primary activities include 1) Assessment and Preparation: Conducting initial and periodic assessments of participants’ educational needs, job readiness, and support requirements during incarceration and pre-release. 2) Educational and Employment Support: GED preparation, vocational training in high-demand trades, job readiness workshops, and connections to local employers. 3) Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services: Offering counseling and support through the Parental Intervention Project (PIP) and the Reentry Well-Being Assessment Tool (RWAT). 4) Business Engagement: Engaging local businesses through educational sessions on fair hiring practices, hiring compliance, profit margins, and equity and inclusion. Expected outcomes include a. A significant reduction in recidivism rates among participants, b. Enhanced employability and job placement rates through vocational training and job readiness programs, c. Improved mental health and substance use disorder treatment outcomes, d. Successful reintegration of participants into the community with stable housing and employment. The service area for this project is San Bernardino County, targeting cities with high ex-offender populations such as San Bernardino, Victorville, Rialto, Redlands, and Colton. The intended beneficiaries are primarily Black and Hispanic women within three to four months of their release from incarceration, who face substantial barriers to employment and community reintegration. TFCF’s strategic partnerships with CIW, local community colleges, vocational training centers, and employment agencies are crucial to the program’s success. These collaborations facilitate comprehensive support services, educational and vocational opportunities, and effective job placement efforts. By addressing the multifaceted needs of formerly incarcerated individuals, TFCF’s IAR program aims to foster long-term career growth, reduce recidivism, and promote self-sufficiency and stability among its participants, ultimately contributing to safer and more inclusive communities.