Probation’s collaborative work in re-entry services for those in our justice system not only helps those in the system to help turn their lives around, but it also helps make our communities safer for everyone.  

The Lake County Probation Department, in collaboration with the Lake County Campus of Woodland Community College, hosted their 3rd Annual Resilient Re-entry event October 11, 2024. This event is designed to provide valuable resources and guidance to justice-involved individuals throughout the communities of Lake County.

The event is aimed to facilitate the reintegration of justice-involved individuals into society by offering a range of services including record expungement, college education opportunities, literacy resources, and even free tattoo removal services.

California Probation across the state, provides a multifaceted integrated safety model that uses accountability and provides opportunity. Probation continues to successfully connect individuals to workforce development, substance use treatment, mental health services, family engagement, and educational opportunities.

Throughout the day, a handful of keynote speakers, many of whom have successfully transitioned from incarceration to leading changed lives gave inspirational presentations on a range of topics. The speakers encouraged justice-involved individuals to speak to the vendors, utilize the free resources offered, and connect with community partners. 

Speakers included: Elizabeth Quiroz, a distinguished author, co-founder of the Redemption House, and a master’s candidate in Social Justice and Human Rights at Arizona State University; Randall Cole, an accomplished author and substance abuse counselor; Richie Occhino, Lake County Behavioral Health outreach and prevention specialist; Caressa Smith, the dedicated manager of the Hope Center and a passionate advocate for second chances; Lake County Chief Probation Chief Wendy Mondfrans; Mark Taylor of Project Rebound; Megan Berger of Redemption House; Board of Supervisors Chair Bruno Sabatier; and Lake County Public Defender Ray Buenaventura.

Various groups and community partners from the Lake County community joined to host informational booths where individuals could find out about cell phone plans, library cards, literacy programs, educational courses, and 12-step programs. 

The event featured the grand opening of the Lake County Probation Mobile Services Unit. The funding for the vehicle was provided through a grant from the Board of State and Community Corrections. The vehicle offers justice-involved individuals who are homeless an opportunity to connect with Probation resources where they are, including attending court by Zoom and attending classes. Those in attendance were able to tour the van.

“Lake County Probation Department is dedicated to empowering justice-involved individuals with the resources they need to embark on transformative journeys,” said Chief Probation Officer Wendy Mondfrans. “We are thankful for the participation of the inspirational speakers who shared their inspirational stories with us. This event underscores the profound, positive influence that access to resources can have on justice-involved individuals.”