Family reunification through reentry

April 29, 2025

A little girl reaches for the decorations and balloons at MCRP LA3.

Last year, the Male Community Reentry Program (MCRP), Los Angeles 3 (LA3), in Long Beach hosted a family reunification dance, showing how family connections enhance successful rehabilitation and reintegration.

The event, one of many family reunification reentry efforts at MCRP-LA3, was organized by GEO Group in partnership with CDCR. It brought together reentry participants and their daughters for an evening of bonding, reflection, and celebration.

“(The MCRP) offer the guys a chance to be successful in the community,” said Facility Director Tisha McAfee. “All of the vocational programs we offer (along with) education gives them a second chance to be successful at life.”

Participants and their daughters were greeted with corsages and invited to walk a pink carpet. Then, they sat down to a meal. As part of the evening’s program, each father read a personalized memory book letter written to their daughter.

Watch the video (story continues below):

Making new memories

“Dear Aliyah, please know that you are the star sent from above that brings the light into my life,” read one participant. “I remember when I first saw you. I instantly thought, ‘This is the girl that is going to change the world with her beautiful smile.’ Today I see just that. All grown up, with a smile that brightens the room.”

The event concluded with father-daughter dances and keepsake photos to preserve the evening’s memories. For many, it was not only a celebration of family but a milestone on the path to healing and growth.

MCRP LA3 continues to prioritize rehabilitation through community and family support, reinforcing the belief that strengthening personal connections is key to reducing recidivism and building a brighter future.

Video by Matthew Sichler, associate governmental program analyst
Division of Rehabilitative Programs