The Santa Clara County Faith Re-Entry Collaborative is a network of multi-faith religious institutions, community organizations, and volunteers established to provide transitional services to newly released inmates. We offer hope, compassion, forgiveness, trust, and accountability together with immediate and long-term support to individuals and their families as they return to the community from incarceration.
The Function of Faith in Re-Entry
Recent studies on the impact of faith in re-entry have shown that faith-based approaches to re-entry bring added value in the treatment of substance abuse, safe and affordable housing, strong social and family support, education, and employment.
Faith-based organizations offer strong supportive and welcoming environments, and provide assistance that draws upon community values, culture and faith traditions. They promote a change of heart, transforming individuals from the inside out, restoring them to a better life.
Our Story.....
2012
January
- Faith Re-Entry Collaborative Constituted
- Over 30 individuals and organizations pledge to support the Faith Re-Entry Collaborative
Feb-March
- Leadership committee convened to establish mission statement and organizational structure
April - May
- Housing, employment and supports are identified as most critical needs of those recently released. Working groups established to support these needs.
June - Aug
- Collaborative moves from planning to program Implementation
November
- Three Faith-Based Resource Centers: Mission Possible, Good Samaritan and Destiny, are contracted and implemented
- First Annual Faith Re-Entry Collaborative Resource Fair
2013
Feb - March
- Peer mentorship program established and training courses convened from community members interested in supporting ex-offenders.
April - Present
- The Faith Re-Entry Collaborative continues to build capacity and community partnerships.
Today:
- Over 200 clients served through the 3 Faith-Based Resource Centers
- Over 100 faith and community partners