RESEARCH
The Safe Return Project empowers formerly incarcerated individuals in Contra Costa County through participatory action research. Our organization believes in the power of lived experiences and the importance of amplifying the voices of those directly affected by the criminal justice system.
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Through our unique approach, we engage with participants to identify pressing community issues, develop effective research methodologies, collect data, and analyze the findings. By involving those with lived experiences, we ensure that the research is grounded in the realities of those most affected, creating greater awareness and driving meaningful systems change in California.
ARRESTING TRAUMA
The research project aims to assess social conditions this population faces in their communities that lead to incarceration and how the criminalization of women, girls, and gender non-conforming individuals correlates with trauma.
SPEAKING TRUTH ON COMING HOME
Fulfilling health and safety needs in Richmond relies on the community creating an effective system for receiving and reintegrating residents returning from incarceration. We envision a city where community members involved in the criminal justice system have strong relationships with their families, and community members have real opportunities for sustainable employment, stable housing, and access to the information and services that lead people to the necessities for building successful lives.
INVEST IN PEOPLE NOT PRISONS
Mass incarceration presents one of the significant threats to the future of American democracy and shared prosperity. At the same time, this crisis presents a tremendous opportunity to build strategic alliances that help transform our region, state, and country.
HOUSING AND COMMUNITY REINTEGRATION
Finding a secure place to sleep is often the foremost concern on the first night out of a correctional institution. Lack of a stable home and mailing address is not only a housing issue but also creates obstacles to obtaining a job, developing positive relationships, and avoiding re-incarceration. Research has found that housing is a platform for successful reintegration after incarceration.
CURBING THE SCHOOL TO PRISON PIPELINE
This report aims to identify and address issues in the West Contra Costa County school district regarding the school-to-prison pipeline, juvenile incarceration, heavy school policing, and lack of resources and support for parents with students returning from incarceration impacted by the justice system.
COMMUNITY REINTEGRATION AND EMPLOYMENT
For both practical and psychological reasons, gainful and steady employment after incarceration is a critical pathway toward community reintegration. A job immediately provides formerly incarcerated people with much-needed money.
HOME WITH A PURPOSE
Case Study with the UC Berkeley HAAS Institute, now Othering and Belonging Institute, on Safe Return's work, best practices, and key lessons from much of the last decade.
​The Collective Impact Leadership Institute fosters leadership among adults and youth directly impacted by the criminal justice system. The Collective Impact Leadership Institute is committed to investing in the personal transformation of all its students.
