Using innovative solutions, staff at the Division of Adult Parole Operations have continued helping formerly incarcerated people reintegrate.
San Diego area parole agents learn about providers
Being a new parole agent can be an overwhelming experience, especially during the first few months on the job. To make things easier, acting Parole Agent II Michael Lum hosted an informational session for new parole agents in the Chula Vista and Escondido parole offices.
The information session included an overview of the many community providers and programs available for parolees in the San Diego area.
Connecting parolees to local CalFresh services
The Adult Program Unit (APU) collaborated with The Center for Healthy Communities at the California State University Chico, CalFresh Outreach Program, to help parolees.
Parolees facing financial hardship are referred to a CalFresh representative at the Center for Healthy Communities. Then, those representatives determine eligibility and assist with the application process.
It is APU’s goal to expand this referral process and connect parolees directly to CalFresh for food assistance throughout the state.
Parolees find help through video meetings
During the pandemic, the APU had to get creative to find solutions to reach out to newly released parolees.
Parolee and Community Team meetings were offered online since they couldn’t be held in person. This effort was thanks to Parole Agent II Anthony Marquez and Parole Service Associate Laura Evans.
The meetings included the Lifer Peer Re-Entry Navigation Network and Women Empowerment groups.
Despite many challenges, APU has successfully provided community resources through virtual meetings since September 2020.
Profile in Success: Aaron Lowers
Aaron Lowers earned his master’s degree while incarcerated with CDCR. He served as a mentor to other incarcerated men, starting Alcoholics and Narcotics Anonymous classes for the population.
Paroling to San Francisco in 2017, he began teaching adult education classes at a local school. He is now a full-time instructor.
Early during his parole, Lowers became a Peer Re-entry Navigator and now moderates the Peer Re-entry Navigator Network virtual meetings. He also serves on the San Francisco District Attorney’s Advisory Board.
Republished from “The Bridge,” the newsletter for the Division of Adult Parole Operations.
What is The Bridge? The quarterly newsletter highlights the many reentry services provided by the Adult Program Unit (APU). These services are designed to aid formerly incarcerated individuals while they’re on parole. APU strives to provide parolees with the tools to successfully reintegrate into society and provide them with the opportunity to give back to the community.
Related content:
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