California is one of the epicenters of mass incarceration.

According to the Vera Institute of Justice, California incarcerates more people than any other state except Texas. Los Angeles County has one of the largest populations of system-impacted people in the country. And one third of the individuals released from California state prisons now return to the Los Angeles area. Central Los Angeles is a major transit center and, as a result, many individuals on the path of reentry end up in the area.

Incarceration in California is a public health crisis.

Central and South Los Angeles consist of many neighborhoods that have historically been harmed by racially biased practices and policies and have been negatively impacted by over-policing. For these and other reasons, the health and wellness of individuals on the journey of reentry presents a critical challenge that must be addressed as part of the public health and wellness priorities of Central and South Los Angeles.

Cycles of incarceration, reentry and recidivism are complicated and multidimensional. Addressing this complex need calls for the mobilization of a strong, interwoven network of providers, resources and solutions.

The LA Reentry Collaborative reduces recidivism and promotes the successful reentry of formerly incarcerated individuals.

The Los Angeles Reentry Collaborative is a community of reentry-focused organizations and individuals. Our network boasts hundreds of organizations partnering to promote successful reentry and reintegration of formerly incarcerated individuals, reducing recidivism in Los Angeles.

The Collaborative seeks to engage the emergent collective wisdom of a diverse, interconnected, multi-sector collaboration to respond to this profound challenge. California Surgeon General, Dr. Diana Ramos, visited a recent convening and gave a talk to our community about overcoming adversities and ways to move forward given challenging circumstances.

Launched as an initiative of Beyond Us & Them, the Los Angeles Reentry Collaborative supports a wide network of reentry service providers in Los Angeles. The work of Beyond Us & Them begins in the prison system, providing transformative programs in 29 California prisons. The Los Angeles Reentry Collaborative continues the work of transforming lives and creating community once an individuals has been released from prison.

Building connection post-release is crucial to reducing recidivism.

Increasing social connection and providing adequate community support have a positive impact on recidivism rates and general wellbeing. Financial struggles, social pressures, the stigma of incarceration, repair of damaged family dynamics relationships and other relationship issues are among the most prevalent issues facing those who are on the journey of reentry. Adequate social connections are crucial resources in addressing the multifaceted challenges and support of community reduces the feeling of isolation.

During this time of uncertainty around traditional funding sources, the need for support has never been more necessary. We are actively looking to grow our community of supporters and continue this work, a benefit to all, during this turbulent time.

April is Second Chance Month

It's a time to focus on supporting the successful reentry of formerly incarcerated individuals. We all deserve a second chance.