NRCA_AnnualReport

VIRGINIA CARES (COMMUNITY ACTION RE-ENTRY SYSTEM)

Virginia CARES program provided 146 newly released ex-offenders with assistance and support to promote a successful transition from prison or jail to society.

Virginia CARES is a community-based effort to assist individuals coming out of jail or prison. Services include emergency aid (food, clothing, shelter and transportation), job readiness instruction, employment search and assistance with restoration of rights. Through linkages with community resources, Virginia CARES provides opportunities for ex-offenders to become self-sufficient, law-abiding and taxpaying members of society. The program reduces recidivism by helping formerly-incarcerated individuals ob- tain the skills and support they need to reintegrate into their home communities.

Ì  PROGRAM HIGHLIGHT D uring the 2014-2015 program year, Virginia CARES staff assisted 74 participants to find full- time permanent employment. Program staff helped “Bill” obtain his Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). Once a testing site was found, Virginia CARES partnered with local community organizations to pay for the cost of the testing. After completing a refresher course, “Bill” successfully passed his CDL test. Virgin- ia CARES staff helped him find full-time employment and “Bill” was soon on the road driving an 18-wheeler!  “Bill” has remained employed and is in the process of paying off all his fines and restitution. He is on track to pay all required costs ahead of schedule and will likely complete his probationary period four years early.

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