Every month, more than 10,000 inmates are released from California prisons. Unfortunately, about 70% of them are back behind bars within 24 months, unable to successfully transition to life outside prison walls.
To better equip parolees with the tools they need, 2-1-1 Community Outreach Manager Betty Creary (pictured above) recently joined representatives from Goodwill, Walden House and Northern California Service League at a parolee orientation at the San Francisco CDRC Parole & Community Team (PACT) office. The session educated 40 parolees about resources — such as transitional housing, substance abuse treatment, jobs and job training, and 2-1-1 — which can help them transition back to the mainstream.
“2-1-1 is a valuable tool for parolees,” said Betty. “After many years in prison, they may not know there are programs like Bank on California, which can help them open a starter bank account, and Earn It! Keep It! Save It!, which can provide free tax help when they’re ready to pay taxes again. As they re-enter the mainstream, 2-1-1 is here to help.”
