Reliable Connections
Reliable Connections provides structure, opportunity, and support for justice-involved youth ages 16-26. We specialize in helping young people reenter society after incarceration through housing, employment, mentorship and healing-all grounded in lived experience.
Empowerment Through Reentry
Our Mission
We aim to support justice-impacted youth by providing structured housing, mentorship, and wraparound services to help them overcome the challenges of reentry and reduce recidivism rates. Through our programs, we empower young adults to build successful and fulfilling lives.
Impact Stories
Our success stories showcase the resilience and determination of the youth we serve as they transition back into society. These stories inspire hope and demonstrate the real-world impact of our reentry support programs.
Bright Futures
We are dedicated to creating opportunities for justice-impacted youth to secure brighter futures. Our programs focus on equipping young adults with the skills and support needed to succeed in their reentry journey.
Safe Housing With Real Structure
We provide lease-restricted housing transitional placements designed for youth stepping down from DJJ, SYTF, and probation camps. Every site includes structured support, mentorship, and stability.
What's Included:
* Shared housing with curfews and supervision
* Daily living essentials ( meals, hygiene kits)
* Transportation support
* Court & probation compliance support
Second-Chance Employment That Leads To Independance
We don’t just connect youth to jobs — we prepare them for long-term success. From résumé writing to career coaching, we walk with them every step.
What’s Included:
• Job training and resume building
• Paid apprenticeships (barbering, janitorial, admin)
• Interview prep and work attire
• Employer referrals with second-chance partners
Personalized Planning
From Day One
Every youth receives an individualized reentry plan based on their court orders, goals, and needs. Our case managers help them navigate life after incarceration with structure and support.
What’s Included:
• Court coordination and check-in reporting
• Benefit navigation: IDs, Medi-Cal, SSI, CalFresh
• School re-enrollment and support
Our ‘Why’: Reliable Connections’ Mission and
Origin
Why We Exist
Reliable Connections was founded by individuals who experienced the trauma, instability, and
confusion of coming home from incarceration with no clear direction. While we did not come
through the SYTF or DJJ systems, we lived through an era of constant reentry—where
incarceration became a revolving door and hope was hard to hold onto.
We created this organization because we deeply understand what it feels like to return home
without opportunity, without guidance, and without a system built to support transformation.
We’ve seen youth labeled as lost causes when all they needed was someone to believe in their
potential and provide a structured path forward.
Reliable Connections was built to fill the gap we witnessed across California—a gap where
young people on SYTF probation are being released into society without the housing,
mentorship, or real chances to rebuild. We knew that without a solid foundation, even the
strongest will can crumble.
This program is our response.
We exist to give every young person coming home from juvenile incarceration a real shot—to
help them break the cycle of re-incarceration, to offer them the tools and support needed to
heal, and to walk with them toward purpose, employment, accountability, and independence.
At Reliable Connections, we don’t just believe in second chances. We build the structure that
makes them possible.
OUR MISSION
To provide California youth returning from incarceration with more than just a place to stay — we
offer a path forward. Through lease-restricted housing, trauma-informed care, and guided
access to employment, education, and real independence, we help young people build lives
rooted in purpose, accountability, and hope.
Why Housing Was Essential
With the closure of DJJ and the rollout of SYTF, it became clear that our system was
being reactive—not intentional.
Too many youth were returning to communities with no plan, no stability, and no sense of
direction. We created Reliable Connections because we’ve lived and worked alongside this
population. Not because we glorify the past—but because we’ve watched young people struggle
without housing, without purpose, and without agency over their next steps.
We knew from experience that housing is the foundation. Without a place to call home, you can’t
heal. You can’t work. You can’t even dream.
So we started there.
Reliable Connections is a full wraparound reentry environment—where housing, therapy, case
management, education, and job readiness all come together under one roof. And we staffed it
with people who understand the road home, because they’ve helped others walk it. This
program is our response—a clear, structured path that helps young people reclaim their future
and move forward with purpose.
What We Believe
We believe that lived experience with reentry—not with the criminal lifestyle—is what
truly creates connection and understanding.
Our team’s strength comes from having felt the fear, confusion, and pressure that comes with
coming home after incarceration. That reentry experience—not the street life—is what shapes
our empathy and approach. It helps us meet young people where they are, because we’ve
stood in that same moment of transition and uncertainty. Stability is more powerful than survival.
We believe that accountability and healing go hand in hand.
As trust is built, clear boundaries become essential for growth. Young people need
structure—but they also need to see that when they take ownership of their actions, there’s
hope, purpose, and opportunity waiting on the other side.
Our team understands how important it is to manage our own emotions and remain grounded
so we can guide youth without judgment. We focus on helping them see their own strength,
showing them that if they stand firm in accountability, they can grow beyond who they were
before incarceration—and become everything they were meant to be.
We believe that by walking with them in this way, we are shaping the next generation of
responsible, empowered, and purpose-driven young men.
Our strongest belief is that reentry should feel like a pathway, not a punishment.
Every step a young person takes toward positive change should feel like progress—not a
penalty. When they meet a goal, it should be recognized. When they move forward, it should
feel like purpose.
Reentry isn’t about paying more dues—it’s about building a new life. We create a space where
youth feel affirmed, valued, and motivated. Because when they feel passion and purpose, they
start to believe in their future—and that belief is what drives real transformation.
Real Mentors,Real Results.
Our mentors aren’t outsiders — they’re leaders who’ve walked the same path. We use a Credible Messenger model to build trust, accountability, and growth.
What’s Included:
• Weekly 1-on-1 mentorship
• Peer-led support groups and healing circles
• Crisis coaching and street-level intervention
Healing is Part of Reentry.
We offer licensed therapy at no cost to our youth. Empathy, emotional intelligence, and healing from trauma are at the heart of what we do.
What’s Included:
• Free individual therapy sessions
• Anger management and emotional regulation workshops
• Healing circles and empathy-building spaces
We'll Pay For Driving School
Reliable Connections covers the cost of driver’s ed for eligible youth. Driving is a key to independence — and we make sure they have the tools to succeed.
What’s Included:
• Permit test prep and DMV scheduling
• Enrollment in licensed driving schools
• Support with road tests and appointments
From Survival to Stability.
outh learn how to manage money, build credit, and plan for their futures. We give them the tools to be financially free.
What’s Included:
• Budgeting and saving workshops
• Building and fixing credit
• Long-term planning and income growth
Our Reentry Programs
Structured Housing
Our step-down housing initiatives aim to provide justice-impacted youth with stable and supportive living environments as they reintegrate into society. We offer structured housing options to support their transition and reentry process.
Mentorship & Support
Through mentorship and support programs, we equip young adults with the necessary guidance and resources to navigate the challenges of reentry. Our programs focus on providing individualized support and mentorship to promote successful reintegration into the community.
Wraparound Services
We offer a range of wraparound services to help justice-impacted youth navigate challenges and access essential resources. From educational support to career counseling, we are committed to empowering young adults in their reentry journey.
Success Stories
Anthony Valadez
"Reliable Connections changed my life. With the support and guidance to build a better future for myself. I'm so grateful for the opportunity."
Billy Perez
"As a community member, I've had the privilege of witnessing the positive impact of Reliable Connections' programs. The dedication and support provided to justice-impacted youth are truly remarkable."
Richard Rosales
"Reliable Connections gave me the support and confidence to build a better future. I'm so grateful for the opportunity!"
