Restorative Justice for Adults and Juveniles
SVdP’s Restorative Justice Ministry works to heal both the victim and offender in order to regain the trust of the community. Victims and their families are supported. SVdP’s Restorative Justice Chaplain and volunteers offer pastoral care to incarcerated men, women, and youth.
SVdP’s Catherine Center is a residential safe home for women recently released from incarceration. Women receive support for their practical needs and emotional and spiritual growth. SVdP walks with those who have caused harm to help them acknowledge the impact of what they have done and to assist reconciliation.
SVdP supports victims and their families during very difficult times, praying at murder sites and visiting them in their homes.
Victims or victims’ families in need of pastoral assistance – please contact SVdP’s Restorative Justice Head Chaplain at info@svdpsm.org.
Victims or victims’ families in need of material support such as shelter, rent, utilities, food, clothing please call SVdP’s PFRC Help Line at (650) 343-4403.
Youth Ministry
The SVdP’s Restorative Justice Juvenile Chaplain provides pastoral care to those detained in the juvenile facilities in San Mateo County.
- One-on-one pastoral care for the incarcerated
- Religious instruction (RCIC)
- Small group discussion facilitation
- Scripture studies or Centering Prayer
- Bibles, religious literature and materials
- Music Ministry when appropriate
- Support for youth facing charges (attend court hearings with youth who have no family support)
Adult Ministry
SVdP’s Restorative Justice Chaplain and volunteers offer pastoral care for incarcerated adult men and women detained in the adult facilities in San Mateo County.
- One-on-one visits and pastoral care for the incarcerated
- Religious instruction (RCIA)
- Small group discussion facilitation
- Scripture studies or Centering Prayer
- Bibles, religious literature and material
Re-entry Programs for Adults
For the public benefit, SVdP provides re-entry opportunities for those returning after incarceration to build a safer and healthier community for all. We help ex-offenders re-establish their lives upon release by assisting with temporary housing costs, job training and placement. Many of our services are available at our three Homeless Help Centers.
Those on parole are informed at the bi-weekly Parole and Community Team (PACT) meetings of the support services available, such as assistance with ID’s, clothing, food, shelter vouchering (if eligible), rental support, and employment options (if available).
Those on probation receive similar services as for parolees.
Catherine Center
During 12 months of residency at SVdP’s Catherine Center’s Primary Program, women recently released from jail or prison work intensely to understand the root causes of their incarceration, develop new coping skills, and reconnect with family. The women participate in emotional counseling, substance abuse rehabilitation, as well as vocational, educational and spiritual programs. SVdP’s Catherine Center’s unique holistic approach, along with unconditional love, allows these courageous women to transform their lives.
SVdP’s Catherine Center’s Post Graduate Program supports our growing alumnae population in their transition back into society. The Restorative Justice Ministry site is a safe house.
If you are interested in joining SVdP’s Catherine Center, please call (650) 838-9800 for an application.
