Operation "Clean Start"
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
CITY OF RIVIERA BEACH LAUNCHES THE CLEAN START PROJECT FOR RETURNING CITIZENS
Riviera Beach, Fla. (Sept. 7, 2021) - Returning citizens in the Riviera Beach Reentry Center will now have a new job training and transitional employment opportunity through the City’s new Clean Start Project.
The Clean Start Project will allow participants to maintain the cleanliness of the City’s vehicle fleet, which was outsourced initially while affording participants a chance for a “clean start” on life. Through a collaborative effort, City Council Chairperson Shirley Lanier (District 3) and City staff worked diligently to launch this program on Aug. 18, 2021.
The Reentry Center demonstrates an innovative way that assists returning citizens in becoming productive members of society that can give back to their communities in a beneficial way. This initiative is similar to the nationally recognized Heartland Alliance READI CHICAGO model that incorporates cognitive-behavioral interventions and subsidized transitional employment to reduce recidivism.
“Project Clean Start provides an opportunity for our returning citizens to secure rapid transitional employment while connecting them to case management, mental health supports, transitional housing, and other vital support services.”, says Reentry Director Orie Bullard.
Currently, The Reentry Center has 124 participants and maintains a recidivism rate of 6.5% for On-The-Job program participants, which is well below the state average of 35% - 40%.
For more information on The Reentry Center visit https://www.rivierabch.com/The-Reentry-Center