On Thursday, July 30, 65 formerly incarcerated individuals will be recognized at graduation ceremonies celebrating their successful completion of the requirements of the comprehensive reentry programs at Santa Barbara and Santa Maria Day Reporting Centers (DRC) operated by Community Solutions, Inc. (CSI).
The commencement aims to acknowledge the resilience and determination of these justice-involved individuals who have steadfastly worked towards this achievement.
The Santa Barbara ceremony will be at noon at the Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort. The Santa Maria graduation will be at 5 p.m. at the Radisson Hotel Santa Maria.
The graduations will be attended by representatives of local businesses, community supporters, along with family members of the formerly incarcerated individuals.
Officials expected to attend include Cory Alvarez, assistant deputy director of the California Department of Corrections, at the Santa Barbara ceremony; and Santa Maria Mayor Alice Patino at the Santa Maria graduation.
In keeping with tradition, each ceremony will include Community Partner Awards, special recognitions, and the presentation of the Client of the Year and Distinguished Service Award.
Santa Barbara County Sheriff Bill Brown will serve as keynote speaker at both ceremonies, reflecting on the perseverance of the graduates and extending his best wishes for their future endeavors.
All the graduates are individuals on state parole who voluntarily participate in the program to achieve success in their community reentry journey.
Clients work with case managers and employment specialists to set specific vocational, educational and personal goals to help implement positive changes in their lives.
The range of topics addressed in the curriculum includes, but is not limited to substance abuse treatment, cognitive behavioral intervention, employment services, career planning, school counseling, transitional housing support, and other service opportunities.
The Day Reporting Centers were opened by the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office in partnership with CSI in 2010.
Community Solutions, Inc. is a national leader in providing residential, home-based, and community-based services that promote self-reliance, skill development, and responsible citizenship to at-risk and justice-involved youth and adults.
Since launching the first halfway house in New England in 1962, CSI has specialized in helping people reintegrate back into the community after a period of incarceration.