FRESNO, Calif. — The Fresno County Probation Department in partnership with GEO Reentry Services opened the Fresno County Reentry Employment Program, located at 3636 Suite 121 N. First St. Fresno, CA. The program opened in March and helps former criminal offenders find and keep employment using strategies designed for justice-involved individuals.
The program supports former offenders and those on community supervision prepare for employment. Individuals referred to the program undergo assessments for vocational skills and basic interests, then begin interventions that focuses on finding and keeping work. One of the curriculum interventions includes Cognitive Behavioral Interventions for Employment (CBI-EMP), designed for criminal- and juvenile-involved individuals who are moderate-to-high need in the area of employment. The curriculum integrates cognitive behavioral interventions with more traditional employment approaches, teaching individuals to identify and manage high-risk situations related to obtaining and maintaining employment. Staff focus on skill building activities to assist with cognitive, social, emotional, and coping skill development for the work environment.
The center has a capacity of 60 participants at a time, with a goal of assisting 250 individuals annually. GEO Reentry operates the program and also manages the Fresno County Day Reporting Center for probationers under the supervision of the probation department. The DRC was opened in 2011.
The Employment Center’s staff also conducts outreach to local employers to help link program participants to open opportunities.
For more information, contact the Program Manager Vanessa Quintana at 559-365-5308.