Another provider of effective rehabilitation courses is the Partnership for Re-Entry Program (PREP). It is sponsored by the archdiocese of Los Angeles and directed by Sister Mary Sean Hodges. Prisoners apply to PREP by speaking with the Catholic chaplain at their prison, or applying by mail, if they can find the correct address to do so. PREP offers several rehabilitation courses, always beginning with their Turning Point series of lessons.
Each Turning Point lesson requires prisoners to look within themselves, reflect and answer questions related to their rehabilitation. At the end of each lesson the student must write four to six essays to demonstrate their understanding of the material. The lessons are self-paced so prisoners can spend as much time in their reflection as needed.
The lessons are sent to a PREP coordinator or mentor, who corresponds regularly by mail with the participant. The Catholic chaplain is usually also involved personally as a guide, friend, and sounding board throughout the process.
As the inmate's parole board hearing approaches, and especially once a parole date is set, the PREP mentor (or the coordinator him/herself) will schedule a prison visit to meet the participant in person. Once the inmate is actually released, the PREP mentor is there for them, to take them on all the various errands that must be completed within the first hours or days after their release: the parole office, the employment office, the DMV, etc. They make sure you won't make some dumb mistake or fall through the cracks somehow in your first week or two of freedom, and help you get on the right track right away.
Now that's a mentor.
Each Turning Point lesson requires prisoners to look within themselves, reflect and answer questions related to their rehabilitation. At the end of each lesson the student must write four to six essays to demonstrate their understanding of the material. The lessons are self-paced so prisoners can spend as much time in their reflection as needed.
The lessons are sent to a PREP coordinator or mentor, who corresponds regularly by mail with the participant. The Catholic chaplain is usually also involved personally as a guide, friend, and sounding board throughout the process.
As the inmate's parole board hearing approaches, and especially once a parole date is set, the PREP mentor (or the coordinator him/herself) will schedule a prison visit to meet the participant in person. Once the inmate is actually released, the PREP mentor is there for them, to take them on all the various errands that must be completed within the first hours or days after their release: the parole office, the employment office, the DMV, etc. They make sure you won't make some dumb mistake or fall through the cracks somehow in your first week or two of freedom, and help you get on the right track right away.
Now that's a mentor.
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