OAKLAND COUNTY, MI (May 29, 2024) – Oakland Community Health Network (OCHN) is thrilled to be partnering with the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office (OCSO) and the Chance for Life (CFL) Organization to launch a 7-month pilot program. This pilot program will meet with people who are transitioning from incarceration back into the community to offer guidance and support, helping to make their re-entry period successful.
“The Chance for Life pilot program has the potential to improve outcomes for those reentering the community following incarceration greatly,” said OCHN’s Executive Director and CEO Dana Lasenby. “We’re excited to see how this pilot impacts the lives of those participating in the program,” added Lasenby.
CFL's mission is to "Transform Minds, Change Hearts, and Create Safe Communities.” Their programs focus on behavioral modification and life skills training, including conflict resolution, mediation, mentoring, and job preparedness. CFL provides assistance with housing, food, clothing, etc. They also offer family mediation and referrals to legal services, mental health services, and substance use disorder (SUD) prevention.
"We build people, not programs,” stated Chance for Life President, Thomas Adams.
The pilot will serve about 25 to 30 individuals and their family members. Family members are included in the process as rebuilding the bond with family members is a key part of a successful re-entry process. OCHN will work with CFL, the courts, Oakland County Jail, and others in the justice system to develop a plan for engaging individuals at discharge, setting up referrals, and establishing the groundwork for a long-term program model that includes tracking data outcomes and billing for eligible services.
“We love partnering with different groups and individuals to offer programming and opportunities for incarcerated people to have a better path and a better future, and we are excited about this joint venture to do just that,” said Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard.
OCHN will refer individuals discharged from Oakland County jail to CFL for voluntary participation in the pilot program. Through CFL, the pilot program will provide job preparedness training, assistance in job preparation, resumes, and interview skills. The target is to place 75% of individuals who complete the program in jobs, education, and/or assistance programs for sustainable living.
OCHN dedicated $97,000 of their budget combined with additional grant funding for Community Violence Intervention programs to secure $150,000 for the 7-month pilot program that is free of charge to community members.
