Dear John,

September often evokes feelings of new beginnings and fresh starts: It’s back to school season for students and families, the leaves are changing, and we’re making plans for the holidays. 

Unfortunately, this does not ring true for everyone. Mothers and fathers who are incarcerated do not have the chance to help their child pick a first day of school outfit, help them pack their bookbags, or walk them to school. At ARC, we’re thinking about all those parents who cannot partake in these activities with their children. We know that family reunification is critical in building stronger and safer communities for all.
 

DONATE NOW
 

During this back-to-school season we also want to spotlight the importance of college in prison. We’re proud to say that California is one of the only states offering college classes in nearly every prison for credits that can transfer and count toward degrees. However, this should be the standard across the country. Education is key to a successful re-entry: research has found recidivism rates are 43% lower for prisoners who take classes while incarcerated. 
 

We have seen firsthand the importance of education for those who are incarcerated, including non-traditional education through rehabilitative programming. That is why we started the Hope and Redemption (HART) program in 2017--to make rehabilitative programs and peer mentorship an integral part of our work inside. Through HART, we offer three workshops, all led by former lifers: Criminals and Gang Members Anonymous (CGA), Board Parole Hearing Preparation and Relapse Prevention (AVATAR), and Youthful Offender Program Mentoring. So far, HART has served almost 6,000 individuals inside prison, and we are proud to see what a difference it makes when these men return home. 
 

ARC is committed to combating mass incarceration by reducing recidivism rates and we know that successful re-entry starts inside. Providing college education and rehabilitative programming is integral to our member’s success, and the proof is evident: our Members have less than a 10% recidivism rate compared to California’s rate of 66%. Without your support, John, we wouldn’t be able to continue bringing hope and redemption throughout California. Will you continue to support us by making a gift today? 

DONATE NOW

Thanks for staying in our corner,
ARC Staff + Members