Email Address

info@peervoices.org

Phone Number

(714) 361-1633

Supporting those affected by the justice system through networks, reentry, and peer service.

Through its comprehensive approach, PV-JI is making meaningful strides towards creating a more supportive environment for individuals seeking to rebuild their lives and contribute positively to society.

Contact

We welcome your inquiries and look forward to connecting with you about how you can support our mission or how we can support you.

Join Us

Join PV-JI to volunteer, intern, or earn as a peer mentor, contributing to positive change in the lives of justice-involved individuals and promoting successful reintegration into society.

Services

Our diverse range of services, including inside programs, outside programs, and referral programs, are all geared towards promoting the holistic well-being of peers impacted by the criminal justice system

Who We Are

We are committed to the holistic well-being of peers impacted by the criminal justice system

Our mission is to empower both current and formerly incarcerated peers, fostering opportunities for personal growth and success through a robust support network, reentry services, and avenues for peer service.

PV-JI embarked on its journey in 2024, supported by the grassroots ideology and advocacy of Peer Voices United (PVU) in Orange County, California. PVU was founded by Orlando Vera and Johnice Williams who are dedicated to fostering a collaborative network of empowered peers and community health workers with personal recovery and behavioral health experiences. PVU has played a pivotal role in shaping the inception of PV-JI and its network.

Christopher “CJ” Jackson

Christopher works with Peer Voices of Los Angeles as a dedicated Justice-Involved Peer Advocate.

Christopher works with Peer Voices of Los Angeles as a dedicated Justice-Involved Peer Advocate. After serving 26 years of a 45-year-to-life sentence and being recently paroled, he began as a volunteer with Peer Voices and quickly transitioned into a staff role through the Peer Voices Volunteer Development Program. His commitment and passion for helping others, especially those re-entering society after incarceration, have been instrumental in his success. Overcoming traumatic childhood experiences and gang involvement, Christopher believes in the power of shared lived experiences and walks alongside formerly incarcerated individuals, guiding them with empathy and care.
 
While incarcerated, Christopher took on numerous leadership roles, earning multiple certifications, including Worker Occupational Safety & Health Specialist (WOSH) and Conflict Resolution Specialist. He also completed several personal development programs such as the Trauma to Transformation Program through the Compassion Prison Project. His extensive training, mentorship, and leadership prepared him for his current work, where he continues to inspire and support justice-involved individuals on their path to reintegration.
Our Services

Get to Know What We Offer

Inside Programs

The PV-JI Inside Program is aimed at supporting individuals in the criminal justice system to rehabilitate and reintegrate successfully into society. Operating within jail, youth and adult correctional facilities, our program offers a range of services tailored to meet the unique needs of justice-involved individuals.

At its core, the program prioritizes peer support, which recognizes the importance of sharing lived experiences in fostering understanding and empathy. Peer mentors, who themselves have navigated the challenges of incarceration and reentry, provide invaluable guidance and encouragement to program participants.

Additionally, the program offers self-help courses and workshops to address root causes for criminal and gang behavior, self-improvement courses promoting physical and mental well-being, and information on preparing for parole hearings, commutations, and resentencing. 

The PV-JI Inside Justice-Involved Rehabilitation Program strives to promote rehabilitation, reduce recidivism, and foster long-term positive change so that individuals are empowered to break the cycle of incarceration and become productive members of society.

Outside Programs

The PV-JI Outside Program is designed to support individuals transitioning from incarceration back into the community. Recognizing the myriad challenges faced by justice-involved individuals upon release, the program offers a range of services aimed at facilitating successful reintegration and promoting long-term stability.

Central to our program is the platform that allows real peer conversations to take place in support meetings and one-on-one sessions with peer mentors who have themselves experienced incarceration and understand the unique obstacles individuals may encounter. These mentors offer guidance, encouragement, and practical assistance, helping peers navigate the complexities of post-release life.

Overall, the PV-JI Outside Justice-Involved Rehabilitation Program is committed to providing holistic support to individuals as they transition from incarceration to community life. By addressing the underlying factors that contribute to recidivism and promoting personal growth and self-sufficiency, the program aims to break the cycle of incarceration and promote long-term success and well-being.

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Care Court

PV-JI serves as peer advocates for individuals and families seeking assistance through Care Court.

The CARE Act is based on evidence which demonstrates that many people can stabilize, begin healing, and exit homelessness in less restrictive, community-based care settings. In order to achieve these results, the CARE Court will place individuals on a court-ordered CARE plan for up to 12-months, with the possibility of 12-month extension.

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Referral Services

At PV-JI, we’re dedicated to ensuring that our peers have access to the resources they need for personal and professional growth.

Through our referral services, individuals can explore a wide range of opportunities, from personal development training to employment and education options, empowering them to build brighter futures beyond the confines of the justice system.

Advocacy

We are committed to creating a more supportive and understanding environment where everyone has the opportunity to thrive and achieve their full potential.

At PV-JI, we are proud to collaborate with esteemed partners such as Peer Voices United and Norooz Clinic Foundation in our shared mission to advocate for mental health and recovery support within the behavioral health community. Through this collaboration, we aim to bridge the gap between clinicians and peers, ensuring that individuals receive comprehensive and compassionate care that addresses their behavioral health needs. By combining the expertise of clinicians with the lived experiences of peers, we strive to create a holistic approach to mental health and recovery that is inclusive, empowering, and effective. Together, we advocate for policies and initiatives that prioritize mental health services, reduce stigma, and promote access to quality care for all individuals. 

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Contact Us

Get In Touch!

Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions you may have. Fill out the following form and we will be in touch as soon as possible!

Contact Information

Embracing Rehabilitation and Change

Inside Programs

Aimed at supporting individuals in the criminal justice system to rehabilitate and reintegrate successfully into society. Operating within jail, youth and adult correctional facilities, our program offers a range of services tailored to meet the unique needs of justice-involved individuals.

The Four Q’s

Seeks to challenge individuals to reflect on their current station in life and how they want to live in the future, while empowering them to take actionable steps towards achieving their goals and dreams.

Addiction Recovery

Offers support for justice-involved individuals striving to overcome substance abuse challenges post-incarceration. Through a combination of evidence-based interventions, peer support groups, and access to community resources, peers receive personalized treatment plans tailored to their unique needs and circumstances.

Preparing for Parole

Provides justice-involved individuals with the necessary tools and support to navigate the complex legal processes involved in seeking parole, commutation, or resentencing. Through correspondence courses, workshops, and individualized coaching sessions, participants receive guidance on presenting their case effectively, addressing concerns, and demonstrating readiness for reentry.

Criminal & Gang Anonymous

Provides a supportive environment for justice-involved individuals seeking to break free from criminal behavior and gang involvement. Through group meetings, peer support, and structured discussions, participants have the opportunity to share their experiences, gain insight into the factors that contribute to criminality and gang affiliation, and develop strategies for positive change. 

Supported by PV-JI

Outside Programs

By addressing the underlying factors that contribute to recidivism and promoting personal growth and self-sufficiency, the program aims to break the cycle of incarceration and promote long-term success and well-being.

Peer Talk

Facilitates meaningful peer conversations and support networks for justice-involved individuals transitioning back into the community. Through structured group discussions, mentoring relationships, and community events, peers have the opportunity to share their experiences, challenges, and successes with others who have faced similar circumstances. The program fosters a sense of camaraderie, empathy, and accountability among peers, empowering individuals to navigate the complexities of reentry with confidence and resilience.

Addiction Recovery

Offers support for justice-involved individuals striving to overcome substance abuse challenges post-incarceration. Through a combination of evidence-based interventions, peer support groups, and access to community resources, peers receive personalized treatment plans tailored to their unique needs and circumstances.

Physical and Mental Health

Dedicated to promoting holistic well-being among justice-involved individuals transitioning back into the community. Through a range of services including how to access medical care, mental health counseling, and wellness activities, peers receive personalized support to address their physical and mental health needs.

Criminal & Gang Anonymous

Provides a supportive environment for justice-involved individuals seeking to break free from criminal behavior and gang involvement. Through group meetings, peer support, and structured discussions, participants have the opportunity to share their experiences, gain insight into the factors that contribute to criminality and gang affiliation, and develop strategies for positive change. 

Join our team as a volunteer and make a difference in the lives of justice-involved individuals

 Together, we can create a more supportive and inclusive environment for those impacted by the criminal justice system. Join us today and be a part of positive change in our community! Click below to start your application.

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Volunteer

As a volunteer, you'll have the opportunity to contribute your unique skills and experiences to help empower individuals on their journey towards rehabilitation and reintegration. Whether you're interested in facilitating peer support meetings, providing mentorship, or assisting with workshops and events, there's a role for you at PV-JI. Together, we can create a more supportive and inclusive environment for those impacted by the criminal justice system. Join us today and be a part of positive change in our community! Click below to start your application.

Two young intercultural interns discussing notes in copybook

Internship

 Interns are provided with mentorship and guidance as they assist in various aspects of PV-JI's programs and initiatives, including peer support, rehabilitation services, and community outreach. Through this program, interns have the chance to develop valuable skills, build professional relationships, and contribute to positive change within the criminal justice system and people’s lives. Whether it's conducting research, organizing events, grant writing, or providing direct support to participants, interns play a vital role in advancing the mission of PV-JI to empower individuals and promote successful reintegration into society.

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Earning Opportunities

Peer mentors who lead support meetings, facilitate workshops, and conduct training sessions are eligible for compensation at $35 hr. Moreover, we offer incentives such as performance bonuses and access to professional development resources to acknowledge and appreciate exceptional dedication and contributions. By compensating peer mentors for their time and expertise, we not only acknowledge their commitment to supporting others but also ensure that they can sustain themselves financially while continuing to positively impact the lives of those they assist. 

Our amazing

PARTNERS