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www.newrivercommunityaction.orgVIRGINIA CARES (COMMUNITY ACTION RE-ENTRY SYSTEM)
Virginia CARES program provided 146 newly released ex-offenders with assistance
and support to promote a successful transition from prison or jail to society.
Virginia CARES is a community-based effort to assist individuals coming out of jail or prison. Services
include emergency aid (food, clothing, shelter and transportation), job readiness instruction, employment
search and assistance with restoration of rights. Through linkages with community resources, Virginia
CARES provides opportunities for ex-offenders to become self-sufficient, law-abiding and taxpaying
members of society. The program reduces recidivism by helping formerly-incarcerated individuals ob-
tain the skills and support they need to reintegrate into their home communities.
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PROGRAM HIGHLIGHT
D
uring the 2014-2015 program year, Virginia CARES staff assisted 74 participants to find full-
time permanent employment.
Program staff helped “Bill” obtain his Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). Once a testing site
was found, Virginia CARES partnered with local community organizations to pay for the cost of
the testing. After completing a refresher course, “Bill” successfully passed his CDL test. Virgin-
ia CARES staff helped him find full-time employment and “Bill” was soon on the road driving an
18-wheeler!
“Bill” has remained employed and is in the process of paying off all his fines and restitution. He is
on track to pay all required costs ahead of schedule and will likely complete his probationary period
four years early.