LIVE"True Freedom Awaits"
Smiley and Ra is a Reentry Program assisting people transitioning out of incarceration into society. We provide the basic necessities (housing, food, financial literacy and employment) within a timely matter of release. Smiley & Ra provides services based upon each individual needs. Participants will be able to flourish within society with the legal means of productivity while gaining their independence
What is the primary issue area that your application will impact?
Housing and Homelessness
In which areas of Los Angeles will you be directly working?
Central LA
East LA
South LA
West LA
South Bay
County of Los Angeles
City of Los Angeles
In what stage of innovation is this project, program, or initiative?
Pilot or new project, program, or initiative
What is your understanding of the issue that you are seeking to address?
The problem Smiley & Ra is seeking to address is to reduce recidivism for people transitioning out of prison into society and promote independence - housing, food security and mental health needs.
Describe the project, program, or initiative this grant will support to address the issue.
Smiley and Ra Reentry Program is a reentry program for people transitioning out of incarceration back into society. This grant will assist in supporting Smiley & Ra by providing education, enlightenment, financial literacy, housing, food security, mental health support and medical services by hiring more staff that will help in empowering our clients with entrepreneurship programs. The ultimate goal is to reduce recidivism and division while promoting community, education for their future of navigation with the importance of self preservation and Independence. This grant will assist in securing larger location that will allow Smiley & Ra to provide more space and assistance in order to increase the capacity of people we can serve and help.
Describe how Los Angeles County will be different if your work is successful.
Los Angeles County will be different because the participants of Smiley & Ra will add a positive footprint in the community by adding new skilled people into the workforce with great work ethics and drive. The influx of new entrepreneurs creating revenue for others, the County of Los Angeles and self. Smiley & Ra will be successful in positive productivity, providing a new outlook on life for those that had none and promoting affordable housing and true independence, while reducing in recidivism.
What evidence do you have that this project, program, or initiative is or will be successful, and how will you define and measure success?
The measurement of success will be defined by the reduction of recidivism based upon each participant completion of Smiley & Ra Reentry Program with the end goal of self- reliance and independence.
Approximately how many people will be impacted by this project, program, or initiative?
Direct Impact: 700
Indirect Impact: 1,400