A Pioneer in Correctional Services
For more than 110 years, Volunteers of America has championed the humane treatment of prisoners and provided services to help offenders successfully transition from prison to productive life in the community.

 

 

Successful Programs Rehabilitate Offenders

Elise Dunn Center and West House
Elsie Dunn Center and West House are residential community based reentry programs for nonviolent offenders released from prison and parolees.  Since 1976 these programs have provided men the tools to ensure their success after release from prison.  During their stay, all men receive training on substance abuse, job search and placement, stress management, victim awareness, and life skills.  The programs help to secure employment and housing for all participants. The programs are designed to give parolees the knowledge and skills needed to reintegrate into mainstream society, making positive contributions and avoid repeating offences. Both facilities have a total of 120 beds and serve over 500 men annually.   Over 80% of the participants have housing and employment before they are released.

Elise Dunn Center
La Tonya Comier
2344 E. 15th Street
Oakland, CA 94601
(510) 261-1855

West House
Daionne Washington
624 14th Street
Oakland, CA 94612
(510) 419-0360

Crew Based Sheltered Employment Program
This six-month program is designed to provide young men an opportunity to learn hands on skills and in class education. The program offers clients on-the-job training, resources, support and education to help him succeed in securing unsubsidized employment after graduation. The program works closely with the City of Oakland Department of Public Works, Oakland Fire Department, and Oakland Parks and Recreation Dept. The program will graduate 16 clients each year.

Bill Ritchie
2364 E 15th St.
Oakland, CA 94601
(510) 842-0200

Maximizing Opportunities for Mothers to Succeed (MOMS)
The MOMS residential program provides transitional housing in Oakland and wrap around case management services to women released from Santa Rita Jail. The program is a collaboration with the Oakland Housing Authority, Alameda County Sheriffs Office, and Volunteers of America Bay Area. Program goals are to complete parent reunification with 11 female clients and their children. The families live on site and are provided with services including cognitive classes, substance abuse referral and treatment, 24-hour support and assistance. The clients can stay up to 18 months and, if eligible, can receive permanent housing after graduation from the program. The MOMS program can be reached at (510) 638-3034.

Bobbie Johnson
2139 Seminary Ave, #102
Oakland, CA 94621
(510) 638-3034

Project Choice – San Quentin
Project Choice is the City of Oakland's collaborative program offering hope, support and accountability to young offenders returning to the Oakland community. The program will intervene with young adult (18-30) prisoners returning to Oakland in order to reduce recidivism. Project Choice provides intensive support services - both pre- and post-release. The program will serve 120 clients.

James Brown
(510) 473-0500 ext. 253