Housing Programs

Gemma operates a Day Program in order to assist in and out of custody women with the reentry process. The Day Program is a 10-week curriculum of life-skill and supportive classes that prepare and support women in their reentry to the community. Classes take place approximately 12 hours per week at a location outside of the jail. Gemma staff screens, interviews, and enrolls up to 15 women at a time. Participants of the Day Program may transition to the Residential Program, where a case coordinator works with each resident in a structured and supportive environment to create short and long-term goals related to sobriety, education, employment, financial stability, support networks, health, and securing permanent housing. The Case Coordinator meets with residents weekly to track progress and make changes as necessary. Each resident meets weekly with a Gemma therapist for individual therapy. All participants of Gemma may utilize the Gemma Continuing Care Program choosing a combination of case management, individual and group counseling and other supportive services to help them remain out of jail and productively engaged in the community.

Program Population: 

Women who have been incarcerated in Santa Cruz County jail, women with substance abuse issues, women on parole, and women on probation.

Program Capacity: 

Up to 15 women at any given time.

Program Funding Source: 

Santa Cruz County.

Start Date Year: 
2007
Address1: 
716 Ocean Street
City: 
Santa Cruz
State: 
California
Zipcode: 
95060
Agency Name: 
Encompass Community Services