Promoting Dignity
and Self Sufficiency
in Our Community
“Everyone at Gemma had so much faith in me. The Program made me realize my capabilities. I now no longer ever doubt myself.”- Gemma Participant
Gemma
Purpose
Gemma’s purpose is to assist women to successfully reintegrate and become contributing members of the community after incarceration. Gemma educates and empowers women in the transformation of their lives through safe, structured, skill-building support to help stop the “revolving door” cycle of incarceration.
Services
The Gemma Program is comprised of three components:
- Day Program- The Day Program is a 10 week reentry program focused on helping women recognize and develop their skills to successfully engage in the community after incarceration. (more)
- Transitional Housing Program- Gemma’s transitional house is designed to help women who are homeless, at-risk of homelessness or in unstable or unsafe housing receive the structure, safety, services and support they need to rebuild their lives and productively engage in the community after incarceration. (more)
- Continuing Care Program- The Continuing Care program is available to any woman who has been released from the Santa Cruz County jail and is interested in participating in reentry support. Our services consist of individual and group therapy, case management and referrals to community resources. Case management focuses job preparation and search, healthy eating and exercise, money management and budgeting, daily practice and integration of behavioral change, use of safe coping skills, resources, and personal strengths.
Background and History
Gemma was founded in 2003 by two women in jail struggling with addiction and tired of cycling from jail to homelessness. In July 2006, Gemma merged with CAB and in September 2007, Gemma opened its doors to the first residents of the Gemma House. (more)
Gemma FAQ
Hours Of Operation
Monday - Thursday, 9am and by appointment
Closed noon - 1pm
Contact Information
Cynthia Chase, LCSW
Program Director
501 Soquel Ave., Suite E, Santa Cruz, CA. 95062
831 -457-4560