The Exodus Project is a spiritually-based mentoring program accompanying men and women for up to two months prior to release and six months after release from incarceration in Sacramento County correctional facilities.
Under the auspices of the Sacramento Diocesan Council of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, and in collaboration with the Roman Catholic Diocese of Sacramento, the program will support those recently released from incarceration in developing and sustaining the tools and resources necessary for a successful re-entry and a meaningful life. Mentors (or partners) will be matched with mentees (or participants). In one-on-one and group mentoring, mentors offer non-judgmental listening and encouragement. Mentors also provide logistical support to participants looking to secure housing, healthcare, employment, education, and/or faith community involvement.
Being A Mentor
Mentors are men and women of all faith backgrounds who have completed a comprehensive training program. The program matches men and women leaving incarceration with a mentor of the same gender.
Post-release, mentors offer support to participant in a variety of ways.
- “Meet you at the gate” to assist participants upon release.
- One-to-one mentoring for six months, post-release.
- Connecting people with resources and opportunities.
- Reconnecting people with their faith communities.
Mentor Training
Prospective mentors who have applied to our program and have been selected will participate in an initial 18-hour training before becoming a mentor. The initial training will take place in four sessions – two evenings and two Saturdays over a two-week period. The complete training will be offered three times per year. Upon completing the training, mentors will engage for two additional hours, volunteering at the Sacramento Department of Probation intake center. Active mentors are expected to participate in eight hours of continued training each year. Trainings will be provided by the Exodus Project; however, mentors may also request that a specific outside training or workshop qualify.
Upcoming Mentor Training (18 hours):
- Thursday, August 19 6:00 pm- 9:00 pm
- Saturday, August 21 10:00 am -4:00 pm
- Thursday, August 26 6:00 pm -9:00 pm
- Saturday, August 28 10:00 am- 4:00 pm
How to Apply
Be a force for change in a person’s life. Fill out a mentor application form and submit it to exodus@svdp-sacramento.org for consideration. For more information, call Exodus Project at 916-669-0611 (office) or 916-669-0612 (Rabbi Seth Castleman, Program Director).