Decreasing recidivism by addressing the social determinants of the health of returning citizens. OG has developed a model to leverage the lived experience of certified Community Health Workers (CHW) who are formerly incarcerated and active in addiction recovery to assist in navigating the barriers faced when reentering society. OG has deep roots in the affected community.

Operation Gateway (OG) utilizes formerly incarcerated Community Health Workers (CHW) with lived experience with the reentry process. A Community Health Worker is a frontline public health worker who is a trusted member of and/or has an unusually close understanding of the community served. This trusting relationship enables the worker to serve as a liaison/link/intermediary between health/social services and the community to facilitate access to services and improve the quality and cultural competence of service delivery. A community health worker also builds individual and community capacity by increasing health knowledge and self-sufficiency through a range of activities such as outreach, community education, informal counseling, social support and advocacy.

OG approaches advocacy much the same way we approach serving returning citizens, by building trust and relationships with stakeholders. OG founder Philip Cooper has been in workforce development for several years and has a regional reputation. Employers, nonprofit leaders, and government officials are taking steps to support returning citizens that were unheard of before based on their trust in Philip and the results he’s delivered. When the work of OG is done, returning citizens will have the support they need to navigate the complex process of re-entering because the system will have changed to accommodate the unique needs of this population.

OG connects with incarcerated persons before they are released from prison to assess their needs, including but not limited to identification, housing, driver’s license restoration, healthcare, education, workforce development, and reconnections with family. This assessment results in an Individualized Reentry Plan that will inform services provided.

OG will welcome the person home upon release and ensure continuity of care. We will provide transportation to their first appointment (mental health follow-up, healthcare, parole, etc.) and establish a sustainable transportation plan for future appointments. We secure the following resources upon reentry:

Housing

Food (SNAP and Food Box)

Vital Record Obtainment (ID/DL, SS Card, Birth Certificate, HS Diploma/GED Transcript)

Cell Phone

Physical Exam at MAHEC

Clothing and shoes

Career Services

Recovery/Faith

Community Connections

The first 90 days of the relationship will be the most intensive. There will be multiple contacts the first week, and weekly check-ins for up to 90 days. We will follow up with participants for up to a year and they are always welcome to attend the support groups as alumni.

OG will work to secure matching funds so that citizens are supported and set up for success.