Service Navigation Mentoring Program

 

The Service Navigation Mentoring Program hires former Record Clearance Project (RCP) clients who have had their criminal records expunged to serve as mentors supporting clients who are in custody or recently released. By pairing clients with mentors, justice-involved individuals gain structure and life skills. 

Mentors connect clients to a wide range of services and help them meet immediate needs such as the following: 

  • Drug or alcohol recovery
  • Transportation assistance
  • Employment searches and readiness
  • Food and benefits (e.g., EBT cards)
  • Housing and shelter searches
  • Education

After clients’ immediate needs have been met, mentors and clients create a plan of action to help clients reach their goals and achieve self-sufficiency. As clients demonstrate their progress in moving forward with their lives, mentors will refer clients to legal services to start the process of expunging their records. 

Following are examples of “success stories” illustrating how comprehensive services grounded in personal connection can help people overcome the systemic barriers associated with reentry.  “Success” takes various forms; we recognize clients’ successes in accomplishing the small miracles of the day.

"Changing lives, one connection at a time."

My journey of reintegration back into society after being formerly incarcerated has been a challenging yet transformative experience. When I was released, I was not sure how things were going to work out. I felt uncertain about how I would navigate the transition, but then I was introduced to the San Jose State Service Navigation Program. 
At first, I was skeptical about how much they could really help me, but I quickly realized that this program was different. From the beginning, they made me feel welcome and understood. They didn't treat me as a person in need of help, they treated me as an individual with potential. They ... provided the support I needed to rebuild my life step by step.
From the moment I joined the program, I was paired with a Mentor who took the time to understand my goals and needs. Together, we worked on creating a professional resume, which boosted my confidence and helped me secure a job.
Once I started working, the program continued to provide critical resources like getting my birth certificate, work clothes, tools, transportation and other critical things I needed to help me move forward in life in a positive way.
The San Jose State Service Navigation Program didn't just offer help with the practical aspects of life; they gave me something even more important: hope. I love this program because they believe in second chances, and because of their unwavering support, I no longer feel stressed or uncertain about my future. Instead, I feel empowered and ready to continue building a successful and fulfilling life.   
- A former mentoring program client

For eligibility criteria on enrolling with the Mentoring Program, please see our flyer [pdf].

You can request assistance in connecting with services by contacting us at: pathtoexpunge@sjsu.edu or (408) 924-7374.

You can also meet us during our office hours at Santa Clara County’s Reentry Resource Centers:

Reentry Resource Center San Jose

151 W Mission St, San Jose, CA 95110
Thursdays: 1 PM - 3 PM

Reentry Resource Center South County

8425 Murray Ave, Gilroy CA 95020
Mondays: 1 PM - 5 PM
Fridays: 8:30 AM - 5 PM

 

Richard Campbell (Hanif), Mentor:

 

Jennifer Castillo, Mentor:


Jesse Mejia, Program Manager:


Stacy Quezada, Mentor (Bilingual):


Conrad Solarez, Mentor: