How we change lives
The RUI ReEntry PRogram
Employment Matters
The Machine Shop Social Enterprise is central to our Reentry Program and prepares members for careers as CNC (Computer Numeric Control) machine operators. They receive employment, classroom training, and real-world experience on contract work to give them the skills needed for a well-paying career. Revenue from this enterprise helps offset costs, making the Reentry Program more sustainable and amplifying the impact of contributions.
The environment to succeed
Our work environment develops opportunities for team building and community among our members. Good solid work ethics (learned, practiced, evaluated and ingrained) play a critical role in obtaining and maintaining employment following the program. The senior members have an opportunity to teach these work ethics to the newer members that they peer mentor.
GUIDING PRINCIPLES & CORE VALUES
To assist those wishing to leave gang life to succeed in reaching their goal by providing a federally approved apprenticeship program, full-time employment and comprehensive services that address their physical, mental, emotional, educational and spiritual needs.
THE RESULTS
LOOKING AT THE NUMBERS
The cost of incarceration in California is $81,000 per year per person. The average sentence length is 3.2 years. Therefore, the average cost of incarceration in California is $81,000 x 3.2 years = $259,200 per person.
In our first few years, Rise Up Industries graduated 8 members. Statistically, 5 out of 8 (assuming a 68% recidivism rate) would have returned to incarceration without a successful reentry program. The cost for taxpayers would have been $259,200 x 5 = $1,296,000.
Not only did this potentially save taxpayers over $1 million, but more importantly, it gave, hope, support, and a second chance.
68% of those released from prison in California are re-incarcerated
The average California state prison sentence length is 3.2 years
The annual cost to incarcerate an individual in California is $81,000
MEASURING SUCCESS
The overall Reentry Program effectiveness is measured by tracking the following data.
Program Measurements
- Number of members successfully leaving gang life
- Number of parole/probation members successfully completing their parole/ probation
- Number of members successfully completing the program
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Number of Rise Up Industries alumni not re-incarcerated
- Number of Rise Up Alumni employed upon graduation
- Number of Rise Up Alumni retaining employment after graduation
Employer Satisfaction
A 2019 survey of manufacturers that hired our graduates found that a full 80% “Strongly Agree” that RUI-trained CNC machinists require less training to be productive employees relative to new hires that were not trained by RUI.
Member Perception
A 2019 client survey found that 100% of RUI members agree with the following statement, “I feel empowered to obtain and retain employment, provide for my family and live a productive life.”
THE RESULTS
TESTIMONIALS
Angel's Story
At the age of 11, Angel’s life goal was to join his father and uncle in prison. He ended up spending 41 years of his life incarcerated. While in prison, Angel was inspired by Kairos Prison Ministry and decided to turn his life around.
Angel joined Rise Up after being released and became a well-paid supervisor at a local manufacturing company. He is raising two grandchildren after his son followed in his footsteps and became incarcerated. Looking back on his life, his father’s life, and his son’s life, and then toward his grandchildren, Angel stated, “The cycle ends here.”
"WHAT RISE UP MEANS TO ME"
PAYING IT FORWARD
In 2019, Reentry Program members and graduates participated in 17 speaking engagements at schools, universities, detention centers, District Attorney events, and other groups across San Diego. They are credible messengers to at-risk youth, encouraging them to make positive life choices. Our long-term vision involves co-creating future programs with Reentry Program graduates that address systemic issues related to gang involvement.
