Community Reintegration Program.
Our Focus
NBLC is a culturally responsive Community Reintegration Program. We provide legal advocacy and whole person care services to to those with a criminal history. Our program is designed to pickup where government reentry support ends. Through legal advocacy, social work, and collaboration with other community organizations, we provide continued reintegration support and a safety net for those at-risk of re-entering the criminal justice system. Our focus is on vulnerable and marginalized populations in our community. These include the economically disadvantaged and homeless, the non-citizen, black, indigenous and people of color (BIPOC), those suffering from substance use disorder, members of the LGBTQ community, those moving from community reentry to reintegration after incarceration, and those that have suffered a sex offense conviction.
How We Help
In California, we are fortunate to have state, county and city government agencies that are able to devote some of their resources to reentry support/services. These government services occur during a justice-involved individual’s probationary, parole or county supervision period which only lasts a determinate period of time. At NBLC we believe that support of justice-involved individuals cannot and should not end when government agency support concludes. Community organizations must continue the important work of reintegration — reconnecting the individual with the institutions of society. NBLC provides one-on-one support from commencement of our client relationship. We become partners with the client on their journey to empowerment and transformation and there is no end date to our support.
How We Are Different
There are various agencies in Caliifornia that help individuals clear up their criminal record. These agencies range from private law firms, public defender offices, and legal aid organizations. Criminal record clearing is but one small part of NBLCs organization. It is our philosophy that criminal record clearing is not enough to help the individual reintegrate and maintain a crime-free life. There must be consistent, individual reintegration support that does not end when the record clearing is completed. This is the safety net.
Investing in the Individual
NBLC understands that some individuals require complete financial assistance at the beginning of their journey; for example, those that are residing in a homeless encampment. Through direct outreach and project specific grants, we provide the needed assistance to those at this level. For those who are differently situated, fees for service are established on a sliding scale basis in accordance with Federal Poverty Guidelines. It is NBLCs philosophy that payment for services, no matter how little, helps develop self-worth and social responsibility. This is empowerment.
Investing in the Community
NBLC provides clients the opportunity to give back to the community through our “Pay it Forward” Program. This includes the opportunity to participate on NBLCs board and committees. Through this program, our clients develop new skills, discover new passions, and gain new insights about themselves and the world around them.. This is transformation.
Contact us today for your free consultation.
Our Projects
Through our projects, we are able to perform outreach to those at-risk of re-entering the criminal justice system. Community reintegration is not a “one size fits all” process. Each vulnerable population has unique needs which must be honored and addressed in order to facilitate individual empowerment and transformation.
Immigrant Post Conviction Relief Project
The Immigrant Post-Conviction Relief Project addresses the post-conviction needs of our immigrant community. Those without U.S citizenship suffer the harshest sanction for involvement in the criminal justice system, removal from their families and a country that promised a better and safer life. For non-citizens, vacating an unconstitutional conviction and/or reducing felony convictions to misdemeanor convictions can be a powerful way to eliminate certain grounds of deportability, or open eligibility for immigration status or immigration benefits.
NBLC also provides legal advocacy to the immigrant community through “Know Your Rights” counseling. This counseling prepares the undocumented for encounters with local and federal law enforcement agencies.
Our Services
- Reducing and Re-sentencing
- Withdrawal of Plea for Cause after Deferred Entry of Judgment
- Vacating Convictions
- Know Your Rights” Counseling
- Direct Appeal
- Habeas Corpus
- Case Management and Support
NBLC suggested reading: Guerrero, Diane (2016) The Country We Love: My Family Divided
Donate to the Immigrant Post-Conviction Relief Project and give hope for a secure future.
Substance Abuse and Recovery Project
The Substance Abuse and Recovery Project addresses the needs of those with substance abuse-related criminal histories. The use of alcohol and drugs can negatively affect all aspects of a person’s life, impact their family, friends, and place an enormous burden on the community. One of the most significant areas of risk with the use of alcohol and drugs is the connection to crime. Those arrested and/or convicted of substance abuse crimes often lose their housing, licenses, relationships, and employment. NBLC advocates for return of licenses, housing, and employment and provides referrals, case management, and collaboration for family law matters.
Our Services
- License Reinstatement – California State Licensing Departments (Motor Vehicles, Social Services, Consumer Affairs)
- Criminal Record Clearing
- Federal and State Housing loss due to criminal record
- Employment loss due to criminal record
- Family Law Referrals and Collaboration
- W&I 3200 Petitions – CRC commitments
- Detox, Inpatient/Outpatient Coordination
- Case Management and Support
NBLC suggested reading: Hari, Johann (2015) Chasing the Scream
Donate to the Substance Abuse and Recovery Project and help provide a fresh start.
Prison Reintegration (AB109, PC 1170(h) and CDCR) Project
Once an individual reenters society from incarceration, their likelihood of becoming a contributing member of their community is dependent on whether they can secure meaningful employment, find a place to live, and have the education and skills necessary to advance in life. There are two levels of support that are needed to help the individual reintegrate: 1) government support such as state supervised parole or county-level supervision, and 2) community support. It is critical to the individual’s success that support does not end at the government level. NBLC provides the necessary community support by picking up where the government’s involvement left off. We provide continued support through referrals, case management and collaboration with other community resources with the end goal of full reintegration and certificate of rehabilitation.
Our Services
- Family Services
- Financial Planning and Assistance
- Education & Training
- Employment Assistance
- Health & Wellness
- Housing Assistance
- Criminal Record Clearing
- Public Benefits (such as Medi-Cal and Cal Fresh)
- Case Management and Support
NBLC suggested reading: Woodfox, Albert (2019) Solitary
Donate to the Prison Reintegration Project to help provide a new life to the previously incarcerated.
Licensing/Exemption Project
The Licensing/Exemption Project addresses the needs of those who are at risk of losing their professional license or have lost their professional license due to a criminal conviction. We also advocate for those who are denied a care-giving position due to a criminal conviction.
Professionals work hard to obtain their professional licenses. Their achievement proves that they have the skills, knowledge, and expertise necessary to do their job and to do it well. Licensed professionals and those working in the care-giving professions are subject to a wide variety of legal and ethical rules. If a violation of these rules is reported or suspected, the license or position is in danger of being suspended or revoked. Sadly, all that hard work may be lost if a professional license or position is denied, suspended, or revoked due to a criminal conviction. Professionals who lose their licenses often feel helpless, powerless, and fearful of the future. NBLC helps professionals maintain their licenses and certifications. We are committed to providing the legal support necessary to challenge and overturn a license/position revocation decision.
Our Services
NBLC provides legal advocacy in the following areas:
- Criminal Record Clearing
- Licensing Board Investigation
- License Probation, Suspension, Revocation
- Denial of Professional License
- Offer of Diversion Program
- Department of Social Services “Care Giver” Exemption/Waiver
- Case Management and Support
NBLC suggested reading: Lidsky, Isaac (2017) Eyes Wide Open: Overcoming Obstacles and Recognizing Opportunities in a World That Can’t See Clearly
Donate to the Licensing/Exemption Project
Economically Disadvantaged/Homeless Project
The economically disadvantaged and homeless are some of the most vulnerable members of our society. Those that are unhoused or at risk of becoming unhoused are more susceptible to violence and mental and physical health problems, They are often marginalized by the justice system and society. Addressing the issue of poverty and homelessness is complicated and requires collaboration and effort between local government, the community, the justice system, law enforcement, social service agencies and mental health and substance abuse professionals.
Through our Economically Disadvantaged/Homeless Project, we provide legal advocacy and support with respect to criminal record clearing, community and collaborative courts and community referrals to address various needs. Together with other nonprofit agencies, we provide a “safe place” to discuss life challenges and case management and support to empower positive change.
Our Services
- Criminal Record Clearing
- Community Court Advocacy
- Collaborative Justice Advocacy
- Information, Resources and Referrals
- Case Management and Support
NBLC suggested reading: Desmond, Matthew (2016) Evicted
Donate to the Economically Disadvantaged/Homeless Project and help change lives.
LGBTQ Project
Even before they have a criminal record, many LGBTQ people are isolated from their families, face bullying, harassment and unfair treatment in school, lack employment opportunities because of discrimination, have their lives criminalized, These challenges don’t go away while someone is incarcerated. In fact, they can become even more pronounced when someone gets out. Implicit bias, cultural bias, lack of cultural competency in programs, family rejection/disconnection, employment discrimination, and lack of safe housing/shelter are some of the main roadblocks to successful reintegration for LGBTQ people. Serving and empowering these people during reintegration provides an actionable opportunity to disrupt the racism, violence, poor health, housing insecurity and discrimination they face.
Our Services
- Criminal Record Clearing
- Obtaining Accurate Identity Documents
- Employment Assistance
- Housing Assistance
- Education Assistance
- Family Re-connection
- Access to Public Assistance and Competent Healthcare
- Case Management and Support
NBLC suggested reading: Funk, Mason (2019) The Book of Pride: LGBTQ Heros who Changed the World
Donate to the LGBTQ Project and help change lives.
290 Project
The 290 Project addresses the needs of those who have suffered a sex offense conviction. This population has unique challenges associated with their reintegration into the community. For those with a sex offense conviction, community reintegration is a daunting experience. The public holds many erroneous assumptions about sex offenders. As such, sex offenders face social isolation, hostility, extreme difficulty obtaining housing, education, and employment. These challenges together with the lack of a support system leaves the offender with feelings of hopelessness which, in turn, can lead to mental health issues, and substance abuse. NBLC provides client advocacy, referrals, case management, and community organization collaboration to this unique population in an effort to alleviate the effects of this type of conviction. We provide socio-legal advocacy in the following matters:
Our Services
- Tier Designation Determination
- Criminal Record Clearing
- Employment Assistance
- Housing Assistance
- Education Assistance
- Access to Public Assistance and Competent Healthcare
- Case Management and Support
NBLC suggested reading: Rickard, Diana (2017) Sex Offenders, Stigma, and Social Control
Donate to the 290 Project and help change lives.
BIPOC Project
The disproportionate impact of the criminal justice system on black, indiginous, and people of color is well documented. However, this impact does not end when involvement in the justice system terminates. It continues to lock them in to an inferior position making it extremely difficult to successfully reintegrate. NBLCs BIPOC project provides justice-involved black, indiginous and people of color with needed support to gain knowledge, and skills; connect or reconnect with cultural roots and supportive communities; and to obtain education and living wage employment in order to transition successfully from being justice-involved and into the community.
Our Services
- Mentorship and Resource Guidance
- Criminal Record Clearing
- Employment Assistance
- Housing Assistance
- Education Assistance
- Access to Public Assistance and Competent Healthcare
- Case Management and Support
NBLC suggested reading: Alexander, Michelle (2010), The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness
Donate to the BIPOC Project and help change lives.
Other Services
NBLC provides additional legal services in the following areas:
- Department of Justice Criminal History Amendments/Disputes
- FBI Criminal History Amendments/Disputes
- Out of State Record Clearing Research
- Personal Reputation Management
- Traffic Penalty Alternatives
Out of County/State Legal Representation
Out of county/state post-conviction legal representation may be performed for Marin County residents. If the case is in a county/state outside the bay area, NBLC will first need to secure the assistance of pro bono counsel in that county/state, prior to committing to and undertaking any legal work.