Gemma

Gemma is a non-profit program that supports women of Santa Cruz County to build a strong, stable, safe and structured re-entry back into the community after incarceration.

*If you are looking for the men's R.I.S.E. program, please visit R.I.S.E's web page.

Purpose

Gemma’s purpose is to assist women to successfully reintegrate and become contributing members of the community after incarceration. Gemma educates and empowers women in the transformation of their lives through safe, structured, skill-building support to help stop the “revolving door” cycle of incarceration.

Services

The Gemma Program is comprised of three components:

• Day Program- The Day Program is a 10 week reentry program focused on helping women recognize and develop their skills to successfully engage in the community after incarceration.  (more)
• Transitional Housing Program- Gemma’s transitional house is designed to help women who are homeless, at-risk of homelessness or in unstable or unsafe housing receive the structure, safety, services and support they need to rebuild their lives and productively engage in the community after incarceration. (more)
• Continuing Care Program-  The Continuing Care program is available to any woman who has been released from the Santa Cruz County jail and is interested in participating in reentry support. Our services consist of individual and group therapy, case management and referrals to community resources. Case management focuses job preparation and search, healthy eating and exercise, money management and budgeting, daily practice and integration of behavioral change, use of safe coping skills, resources, and personal strengths.