Santa Clara County Probation Department hosted its annual “Second Chance Job and Resource Fair” on Wednesday, April 30, to support individuals on probation or recently released from prison as they reintegrate into society. Over ten community organizations and service providers participated in the event, offering support and assistance to those who have been incarcerated.
The fair, held in front of the probation office on North First Street in San Jose, aimed to align with the nationwide initiative of “Second Chance Month,” focusing on eliminating barriers for individuals reentering society after serving their sentences.
One of the highlights of the event was the debut of the department’s new community mobile service vehicles. These repurposed vans will venture into communities to assist the homeless population and probationers in resource-deprived areas.
Leah Dansby, Director of County Resource Services, highlighted the significance of these mobile units in taking probation services directly to the community. She emphasized the proactive approach of engaging with probationers to reduce the likelihood of reoffending during their probation and parole periods.
The mobile service vehicles will offer a range of services at various locations, including court appearances, substance abuse programs, mental health counseling, and vocational resources. They will also introduce probationers and their families to other support programs offered by the probation department.
In addition to the probation department’s efforts, multiple collaborative partners from government and non-profit sectors set up booths at the fair to provide comprehensive support services for reentry into society. Some of the participating organizations included:
– Community Solutions: Offering mental health and substance abuse therapy across age groups, with a focus on cases going through mental health and substance courts. Angela Garcia from the organization stated, “Our goal is to help individuals stabilize and prevent re-incarceration.”
– Midtown Family Services: Providing holistic self-sufficiency planning services, including housing assessments, credit checks, and background screenings. Mario Canas mentioned, “We assess individual needs and concentrate on the most urgent areas to assist them in true self-reliance.”
– Reentry Resource Center: Offering life rebuilding resources for individuals recently released from prison. County employee Francis remarked, “Many people come out of prison with nothing, and our services help them complete applications for housing, social welfare, and mental health consultations in one place.”
Representatives from Project HOPE showcased free tattoo removal services to help individuals seeking to break away from gang life or facing employment challenges. Vanessa Lopez explained, “We specialize in removing tattoos from prominent areas like hands, neck, face, and wrists, making it easier for them to find work.”
Youth vocational training organizations introduced paid internship programs on-site to help young individuals develop career skills and workplace ethics from a young age, preparing them for future employment.
Zephyr Self-Help Center, under the county’s mental health department, led daily group sessions hosted by peers who have undergone treatment, offering job support and resume writing assistance. A staff member emphasized, “We do not limit our services to anyone; whoever seeks help, we provide assistance.”
Attendees were also informed about the upcoming “Second Chance 5K Charity Run/Walk” scheduled for October 18. Funds raised from the event will be used to assist formerly incarcerated individuals in purchasing clothing for personal hygiene and job interviews.
“Reentry is not a solo journey,” Dansby remarked. “It requires the entire community to come together, and today’s event exemplifies the power of collective effort.”