Santa Clara County Hosts Second Chance Fair, Unveils Service to Support Formerly Incarcerated People
Held at the Adult Probation Department's courtyard on North First Street in San Jose, California, the event marked Second Chance Month, a nationwide initiative aimed at removing barriers to successful reentry for former prisoners.
A highlight of the fair was the unveiling of the department's new mobile probation vans, designed to reach unhoused and underserved individuals who face obstacles in attending in-person appointments or court hearings.
'These mobile units allow us to bring probation services directly into the community,' Leah Dansby, program manager of the Resource Services Unit, told The Epoch Times. 'Whether it's homeless encampments or areas with limited transit access, this is about meeting clients where they are and preventing violations that often occur just because someone couldn't make it to a scheduled appearance.'
While the vans offer direct access to probation-related services—such as remote court appearances and referrals for treatment—they are complemented by a wide network of community partners that provide wraparound support.
One of the organizations participating in the fair was Community Solutions, a nonprofit offering mental health and substance use treatment across the lifespan. It emphasized its forensic programs aimed at helping clients in specialized courts avoid re-incarceration.
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'Our goal is stabilization and reconnection to essential services,' Angela Garcia, a staff member with the organization, told The Epoch Times.
Midtown Family Services also attended the fair and presented a holistic approach to self-sufficiency, offering everything from housing assessments to credit checks and background reviews.
'We scale needs from one to five and focus on the areas most critical for each individual,' said Midtown Family Services staff member Mario Canas, who talked to The Epoch Times about the importance of comprehensive planning beyond just job placement.
The county's Reentry Resource Center was also present to guide clients freshly released from incarceration.
'Most people come out with just a shirt on their back,' Francis, a county employee working at the booth, told The Epoch Times. 'We connect them to housing, social services, behavioral health, and more—all in one place to reduce the complexity of navigating reentry.'
Project Hope, a city program, highlighted its free tattoo removal service for individuals seeking to leave gang-affiliated or stigmatized identities behind.
'We focus on visible areas like the hands, face, neck, and wrist—barriers that often stand in the way of employment,' Vanessa Lopez, the program's representative, told The Epoch Times.
Youth-focused nonprofits offered paid internships and job readiness training to help at-risk teens build foundational skills while staying in school.
'We want to start them young, so when they hit adulthood, they're ready,' said Analecia, a program mentor.
The Zephyr Self-Help Center, operated by the county's Behavioral Health Services, provides peer-led support groups, job readiness coaching, and family outreach services.
'We never close our doors to anyone seeking help,' one staff member told The Epoch Times.
Also featured at the fair was promotion for the Reentry Resource Center's upcoming Rise Up and Run 5K, a community fundraising event supporting the reentry population. The running and walking
Proceeds from the event will go toward purchasing new clothing for individuals transitioning out of incarceration—providing them with appropriate attire for job interviews, court appearances, and daily life.
'Success doesn't happen in isolation,' Dansby said. 'It's a community effort, and today shows just how many people are working together to make sure no one gets left behind.'
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