California invests $5m in CROP’s model for successful reentry

CROP fellows and alumni visit the Capitol.

Governor Newsom has approved a $5 million reinvestment into the Ready 4 Life program run by Creating Restorative Opportunities and Programs (CROP). This reinvestment reflects California's continued commitment to people over punishment and marks Ready 4 Life's transition from pilot program to proven model.

Ready 4 Life helps people succeed after incarceration through a 12-month fellowship offering leadership coaching, career training, employment support, and housing assistance. The program was built by formerly incarcerated leaders who understand that it’s not just one thing that makes reentry difficult–it’s everything all at once. By removing the most common barriers to success, we allow our fellows to focus on building a stable future.

“I was in prison for nearly 24 years, and when I got out, I had very little idea how to navigate life as a productive citizen. That's where CROP stepped in. CROP truly helped me get on my feet, providing the vital support and community I needed. Because of CROP, I am now an AI Solutions Engineer with Checkr, and they even helped me secure my first permanent housing, which felt impossible at the time.” - Joseph Beaman, CROP alumnus

Our model works. Since 2023, CROP has offered workforce development fellowships to 219 formerly incarcerated people. 93% of our alumni are employed and none have returned to prison, despite a 39% recidivism rate across California.* Through Ready 4 Life, California enjoys improved public safety, gains skilled workers, keeps families together, and saves taxpayer dollars, because people are not going back to prison.

With this investment, we will continue offering a soft place to land for people coming home from prison, ensuring people don’t return to old habits out of desperation, but instead contribute to their communities, provide for their families, and fulfill their own potential.

We’re looking to expand our model within California and beyond. See how you could partner with us to scale Ready 4 Life.

*Statistics from independent evaluation report by Public Profit. Recidivism outcomes are based on program follow-up and self-reporting. Individual CDCR recidivism data is not accessible to the public.