Portland Partners Re-entry Initiative (PPRI) is a unique transition program. Having just begun the second year of a 4-year pilot project funded by the Department of Labor (DOL), PPRI is helping adults who have been incarcerated make the transition from prison back to the community. The program is being designed by Shannon Davis, AmeriaCorps Vista volunteer member, with leadership from Cindy Stadel, Program Director with Volunteers of America Oregon.
Participants receive employment skills training during their incarceration. Upon release, they meet with a case manager at SE Works, Central City Concern, Better People, or YWCA. If a mentor is desired, a request is made to Cynthia Harrison, PPRI Volunteer Coordinator and AmeriCorps volunteer member, who then arranges a compatible match. (See details below about becoming a mentor.)
The program allows DOL to track how transition services might help reduce recidivism. The cost of operating programs like PPRI which helps individuals return to a useful life in the community is believed to be substantially lower than if that same person re-commits and returns to jail or prison.
While those participating in PPRI have served time in prison, it's important to remember that they're also mothers, fathers, siblings, young adults, and significant others. They have responsibilities, interests, hobbies, aspirations, goals, experience, education, and real concerns. What they typically don't have are resources, support systems, and a clear vision of how to break the cycle of poverty and criminality. That's the real value of a program like PPRI, and the importance of having dedicated mentors.
Over time, these costs can be measured. But the benefit that PPRI and its mentors bring to the community in the form of a greater level of safety is immeasurable.
Become a Mentor
Mentors are needed for Portland Partners Re-entry Initiative
If you're over 25 and are interested in using your positive social skills to help empower others and create a safer community, the Portland Partners Re-entry Initiative (PPRI) program is urgently seeking mentors like you.
SE Works, the grant administrator, and Volunteers of America Oregon works in partnership with other agencies* to assist around 200 men and women annually in finding work, education, and support services.
To become a mentor, you'll first attend a six-hour training program in which you'll gain an understanding about the issues that program participants might face. Once in your role as mentor, you'll be a positive influence and offer a listening ear, support, and encouragement. Mentors may also help participants build a variety of simple life skills such as budgeting, grocery shopping, using public transportation, preparing for a job interview, parenting skills, and so forth.
For more information, visit the SEWorks website or contact Cindy Stadel at 503-772-2341
* Central City Concern, Better People, YWCA, the Multnomah County Department of Community Justice, and the Oregon Department of Corrections.