LA Sentinel. July 4, 2019
By Cora Jackson-Fossett, Staff Writer
The new Los Angeles County Reentry Opportunity Center aims to increase successful outcomes for probation clients.
Described as a one-stop shop, the facility houses community and county service providers to assist clients with a second chance to change the trajectory of their life. The DOORS or Developing Opportunities Offering Reentry Solutions section contains representatives to aid with housing, jobs, training, legal assistance, mental health services and more.
“The center represents not only elevated services, but a meaningful second chance to demonstrate what is possible when county government collaborates with the community that it serves – someone is given another opportunity to succeed,” said Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas during the grand opening celebration on June 28.
“This is an innovative one-stop shop where people can get help to find a job, go back to school, get connected to much-needed housing, get their record cleared, and receive healthcare, therapy and other services crucial to turning someone’s life around.”
The new 60,000-square-feet building, located at 3965 S. Vermont Ave. in South Los Angeles, provides intake and check-in space on the first floor, staff offices on the second floor and the DOORS center on the third floor. Also, brightly colored murals decorate the walls throughout the facility.
Modeled after New York’s Neighborhood Opportunity Network, DOORS’ on-site services will be conducted by staff from A New Way of Life, Chrysalis, Five Keys Schools and Programs, Legal Aid Foundation of L.A., SSG/HOPICS, and the county departments of Mental Health, Public Health, Public Social Services and Workforce Development, Aging and Community Services. Ridley-Thomas added that plans are underway to open the Homeboy Art Academy to “infuse arts and culture programming into clients” and enhance professional development skills.