Population Served: Offenders and ex-offenders in the city and county of San Francisco

Key Elements: Alternative programs, education, substance abuse treatment, employment, counseling, referrals

Goal: To promote public safety by providing a continuum for restoration, education and resources.

Description: PREP is a component of San Francisco Sheriff's Department's Community Programs Division and was developed to address the transitional needs of prisoners. Each participant spends five days per week in educational, employment, and general counseling programs at PREP, or five days per week on supervised work crews in the community through the Sheriff's Work Alternative Program (SWAP). Prisoners who are released from jail to PREP are assessed for specific program and service needs. They are given an educational plan and assigned to classes appropriate and necessary for successful reentry into the community. Participants are given tools to help them identify, validate, and articulate their feelings and make arrangements that respect the boundaries that exist between themselves and their communities. PREP also provides practical support by maintaining a supply of clothing for job interviews and emergency distribution. Participants who are homeless are referred to agencies for temporary housing. They are assisted by PREP staff in efforts to obtain permanent residences. Referrals are made for medical appointments, General Assistance, education, residential drug treatment, employment, counseling, and a variety of other services.

How to Enroll

If you are an ex-offender who has completed your sentence or has been released to a drug treatment program, come to 70 Oak Grove Street (between Harrison and Bryant streets) Monday through Friday from 7:00AM to 3:00PM and ask to see a Program Coordinator or call (415) 575-6450 to make an appointment. Services will be explained to you and you will be enrolled immediately. If you are eligible to be released early into SWAP/PREP, you will be identified and contacted by a deputy from the Community Programs Division.

PREP Programs

Vocational:

- Job Readiness: Instruction on how to obtain and maintain employment, conflict resolution on the job, and image development. Workshop in resume writing, interview techniques, and grooming.

- Internship Program: Ex-offenders who express interest in a career in a social service field may be eligible for a 3-6 month internship at a community-based organization, subject to availability and staff recommendation.

- Youth Services: Individual employment and educational assistance for young adults ages 18-21.

- Vocational Reentry Class: This class focuses on available job and training opportunities in the Bay Area and how to access them. Networking, cold calling, targeting and other strategies are explained and examined. Emphasis on maintaining a positive attitude and focus on job goals.

- Computer Lab: Hands-on experience with computers for use at work and home. Health and Well Being:

- Relapse Prevention: Exploration of patterns of addictive behavior and treatment interventions.

- Health: Education on HIV and sexually transmitted diseases. Discussions on issues related to living a healthy lifestyle.

- Self Esteem Group: Participants learn to identify factors that contribute to how they see themselves in relation to their "ideal" self. How to take control of their lives and accept responsibility for their actions.

- Violence prevention Group: facilitated by ex-offenders using the manalive and RSVP approach which redefines the male role belief system that fuels both domestic and general violence

- Narcotics Anonymous: Twelve Step program

Special Services:

- Five Keys Charter School (FKCS): A state and locally sanctioned high school offering high school coursework leading to a high school diploma. FKCS operates within the San Francisco Unified School District.

- STEPS: Services to Empower Personal Success (STEPS) is a transitional program for homeless individuals exiting jail or prison. The mission of STEPS is to assist clients in finding stable housing. The program which opened its doors on June 24th, 2006 is based in the Kinney Hotel at 410 Eddy Street where clients reside for up to 6 months

- Family Focus: A certified parenting curriculum supporting students in fulfilling their parental obligations or simply establishing relationship with families that may have been devastated by the individuals criminal or drug history. We also host Family Awareness events, with catered food and activities for children and parents alike.

- Community Resources: We provide students opportunities to learn what resources exist in their communities and how to access them. Speakers from CBO's are invited to present information about their programs and we encourage students to support each other in networking community resources.

Evening Courses:

PREP has evening classes to accommodate clients who work during the day. These courses include Restorative Justice, Anger Management, Parenting, Meditation, Art Expression, Recovery and Relapse Prevention.