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HISTORY

Our story starts in 1974.
Crossroads Women celebrating 50 years logo

Since 1974, the mission of Crossroads, Inc. is to provide housing, education, support, counseling, and employment readiness in a homelike environment for women who have been incarcerated. Open to any woman with any felony conviction, Crossroads is a leader in providing a way out of this revolving door. Our primary goal is to empower women with new skills to help them step out of the revolving door of prison and move towards economic independence.

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Women released from prison face an uncertain and challenging future. They have $200 gate money in their pocket and have critical decisions to make. The need for housing and employment, coupled with low self-esteem and substance use disorder are significant factors that often perpetuate the revolving door of prison.

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Crossroads is a leader in successfully providing a way out of this revolving door. We have assisted hundreds of women making the transition from incarceration to independence. Over 90% of women who stay at least three months at Crossroads successfully transition back into the larger community as self-sufficient, contributing members.

CROSSROADS, INC. WAS FOUNDED IN 1974 BY A LOCAL GROUP OF VOLUNTEERS AND DAIRY FARMERS PETE AND CAROL BEKENDAM. THE BEKENDAMS LIVED NEAR THE WOMEN'S PRISON IN CHINO AND REALIZED THE DEEP NEED FOR HOUSING FOR WOMEN AFTER PRISON. THEY CONTINUE TO SUPPORT CROSSROADS TODAY AND DONATE FRESH PRODUCE FROM THEIR FARM.

TESTIMONIALS

"I think the program has beneficial services and the staff is nice. Jackie is very easy to talk to, and actually listens and cares. I was in a program before, and I didn’t feel listened to and the staff didn’t care. It’s the complete opposite at Crossroads. The staff wants to help you and wants you to do well. I also feel supported and respected as a transgendered male transitioning from female." – Anthony
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Our Staff

OUR STAFF

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Executive Director
Larissa Matzek
Crossroads, Inc. Associate Director of Grants and Contracts
Associate Director of Grants and Contracts
Heather Long
Crossroads, Inc. Program Director
Program Director
Jacqueline White
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House Manager
Kelly Brown
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Senior House Manager
Linda Achterberg
Board Members

BOARD MEMBERS

Crossroads, Inc. Board President
Board President
Mary Eme
Secretary
 Secretary
Debbie Willmann
Treasurer
Treasurer
Pia Gupta
Past President
Past President
Blair Aldworth
Crossroads, Inc. Board Member
Board Member
Jennifer Stark
Crossroads, Inc. Board Member
Board Member
Sean Harrison
Crossroads, Inc. Board Member
Board Member
David Kadar
Crossroads women borad member
Board Member
Darlene McPherson
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Board Member
Celia Spalding

Reclaiming lives and restoring dignity: your donation makes a lasting impact on the lives of formerly incarcerated women.

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