Crossroads provides incredible support for their clients, helping them to develop a positive, healthy pathway to long term success and to become thriving members of their community. Bravo!! Thank you for all you do for these women!
We have had the good fortune of attending some Crossroad Events where alums of the program spoke. Every one of the alums had different stories, but they were all single-minded in their praise of the program. The encouragement and help they reported was positive and essential to their growth. Everyone who shared their story felt that it was a life-affirming and, in some cases, a life-saving experience. Crossroads, in our view, is one of the finest organizations of it's kind. We wholly and enthusiastically support their mission.
I have facilitated a group at Crossroads for several years, as well assisting in the collection of in kind donations. They do a wonderful job of helping the women successfully reintegrate back into society. They provide important information, community socialization and a variety of life skills. Many of the women have shared with me how grateful they are to Crossroads for giving them the opportunity to get their lives back on track. They appreciate the time and attention they are given to help them do succeed.
Crossroads is a caring, supportive program. Highly recommended that people in need of this service or with friends or family reach out for this great opportunity to assist with re-entry after incarceration.
i’m so thankful that this organization is here. i hesitate to call this a second chance, as many of these women never got a first chance. keep up the good work!!
Several years ago, I was introduced to the wonderful work of Crossroads as a collaborative partner, providing health services for those participants in their program. I chose to become a donor after listening to the impactful stories of women enrolled in their program. As they described their journey towards independence, it was clear how Crossroad's comprehensive program, including the provision of education, case management, housing, food, and clothing, contributed to those successes. I am honored to be joining the Board in the coming month, with the hope and goal of furthering the organization's impact and mission.
I am honored to serve as a board member for Crossroads, Inc., since 2020. Crossroads is not just a non-profit; it's a beacon of hope, a source of support, and a catalyst for positive change. I have had the privilege of witnessing firsthand the positive impact that Crossroads, Inc. has on the lives of incarcerated women. Their programs have changed lives, providing individuals with the tools and resources they need to overcome challenges and build better futures for themselves. I encourage anyone looking to support a non-profit to consider Crossroads as they truly change lives for the better.
Ive been a resident at Crossroads for about a month and since Ive been there I gotten my essential documents, been taking good care of as far as hygiene's and clothing, complete meals and snacks. The people have been very supported with my transition from prison. I appreciate all the staff they are very attentive and have great guidance.I feel very safe within my community and surroundings and feel confidant about my fresh new start by being here at Crossroads.
I am so grateful for my experience at Crossroads. This is my second time in the program. Jackie White, Crossroads program director, is a mentor for me. She always gives me the best advice! If you are thinking of coming to Crossroads I would say do it. The people at Crossroads will guide you through the steps of putting your life back together!
I first visited Crossroads during a leadership program I was a part of. Every one of us left that day deeply impressed and touched after meeting and hearing from previous and current residents. Also after meeting the amazing staff and seeing all that they and Crossroads have done and continue to tirelessly do for these women deserving of another chance in life. I came from a home with no father and a mother that struggled with severe addictions. My mother could have been someone who was incarcerated and in need of such a great organization. That is why I was compelled to join the board of directors. Anything I can do to support Crossroads, and the brave women who need this opportunity!. I continue to be impressed everyday with Crossroads and the difference they/we are making!
My name is Anita Jain, and I was a Board Member for Crossroads, Inc. for 5 years. Crossroads is a community of people who are dedicated to building loving, caring, and honest homes for formerly incarcerated women. The foundation of Crossroads is the women and their stories. These are stories of damage, survival, and then deciding to heal. And it’s this decision that leads them to Crossroads. As we say at Crossroads, “We love the women until they are able to love themselves.” So, the women don’t just heal, they thrive. And everyone involved is transformed by the experience. It’s a profoundly human endeavor that is radically compassionate, liberating, and inspirational. I will always be grateful to Crossroads for allowing me to be part of this journey.
Crossroads is truly an inspiration to all who know about the wonderful work they are doing to help women gain the skills to grow and get another chance in life. I have been in a partnership with Crossroads for four years now and I am amazed at all of the good work they do. I manage a Farm Program where the produce grown is given away for free to low-income families. We have been growing local, chemical-free produce at one of the Crossroad homes for years. The women respect our work and give us the opportunity to share this produce with families in the Pomona Valley.
Hurray for great partnership for a better world!
Crossroads is a wonderful program that lives up to their mission. I am honored to be a part of this organization that truly “Loves the women until they love themselves” and that love continues even after they have learned to love themselves and Crossroads provides the women with a safe and nurturing home as well as sustainable living opportunities and resources to ensure their continued success once they leave the program for Independant living.
Crossroads has a long standing commitment helping women with felony convictions. Providing assistance with housing, employment and helping them transition back into the community.The stories from the women they have helped have been inspiring. This non-profit is one that we will continue to support.
My experience here at crossroads has been none other than absolutely life changing. Crossroads is not just a shelter, or a program, crossroads has become my home. Crossroads has taught me how to do so many things again such as obtain and maintain a job, manage my anxiety, manage my weight, maintain balance in my life, and most importantly maintain my sobriety. Crossroads staff has loved me until I have learned to love myself. I never in a million years thought I could get sober again but today I am 3 years clean and sober thanks to Crossroads and being able to have the confidence, courage and hope to do this with the help of this amazing program and the staff that is here to guide us along the way.
As a past and current member of several non-profit boards in Crossroad’s community, I have had only positive experiences with this organization. I recently termed off as Board President for a local Federally Qualified Health Center that has the honor of providing a broad range of medical, dental and behavioral health services to their clients and was really impressed with how well cared for they were by Crossroads. They are among the top local non-profit agencies we prefer to support because we see how well they turn those donations into action.
As a Claremont resident and a regular donor to the Crossroads, Inc. organization, I can say that I have personally seen on multiple occasions how this program works for the women. When they share their stories in the annual graduation BBQ, I am often brought to tears by the stories they share.
I am certain that this would not be the case without the support that Crossroads, Inc. provides to these women. It is inspirational for all who hear them about what they have overcome and what Crossroads, Inc. has done for them. I recommend anyone that is looking for a non-for-profit to donate to, to consider Crossroads, Inc. at the top of their list.
Our congregation, Claremont United Church of Christ, is a longtime supporter of Crossroads and we are honored to be able to partner with such a worthwhile and meaningful organization. Crossroads helps a population so often forgotten and ignored by our society but who deserve our attention and assistance as they reintegrate into wider society. We have met many of the clients at Crossroads and have been so impressed by their kindness, resilience, and passion for making the world a better place. We know those values have been shared at Crossroads which provides people with dignity, a sense of purpose, and a hope that the future is going to be okay. We will continue to support Crossroads because we believe in the mission and we believe in the people behind the mission.
-Pastors Jen Strickland and Jacob Buchholz
As a resident of the Claremont community for many years I've been so privileged to volunteer at Crossroads. Crossroads has a reputation for excellence. They are well known in Claremont and supported by many churches, local leaders, businesses, the Chamber of Commerce, The Claremont Colleges and many more. I know Crossroads will be a vital part of Claremont for years to come!
Crossroads is a wonderful place to begin my journey for transitioning back into society. Drug and alcohol counseling is a first and foremost part of my rehabilitation here at Crossroads. There is so much to gain from my experiences and all the groups offered. I have learned to make a resume, fill out an application, and learned important interviewing skills. The staff here at Crossroads has been so supportive and has helped me to acquire the skills necessary for a successful reentry into society.
I have been living at Crossroads program for four months now and I feel so accomplished in many things. Crossroads staff treats me very well, just like a big family here. Lots of supports from the staff and helpful resources as far finding a job, getting all my classes done as parole conditions. Lots of self helped groups are offer here. It helps my growth and self search. I am very grateful to Crossroads
Thuy L.
Resident
I am delighted to share my experience with Crossroads. For the past 12 years, The Clinebell Institute provided counseling services to the residents of Crossroads. Our counselors watched over the years how previously incarcerated women of Crossroads learn to exercise their agency, and rebuild their lives as contributing members of society. Our counselors report that the women of Crossroads have been their "teachers," who teach them what it means to be human and how our lives are shaped and affected by the social arrangements, which sometimes have devastating effects on the powerless.
I am a member of the Covina Woman's Club. We have chosen Crossroads as one of the charities we support due to the amazing work they do with helping women step back into society. At our Domestic Violence Action Coalition meetings, we have had the privilege of meeting and hearing the testimonies of many of these women who have come through Crossroads, sharing their gratitude for Crossroads. I am happy to share my knowledge of this worthy organization.
I paroled from prison in June of this year and faced many challenges stepping back into society after 30 years of incarceration. My family is very supportive and present in my life but their capacity to truly understand what I need to establish myself has limits. This where Crossroad's, Inc. excels, the program is carefully constructed to meet the needs of formerly incarcerated women like myself who face struggles like how to use a coffee maker to navigating the DMV , employment and time management skills. I know that I can rely on the staff to provide mentoring and guidance as I embrace my second chance. I am very grateful for all that I have been provided through this program, I have a belief in myself and my capabilities to succeed in my life.
Who wouldn't want to be involved in an organization that gives second, third, or more chances. An organization that loves the women until they learn to love themselves. An organization that assists formerly incarcerated women achieve independence but most of all providing a place that they can call home. As you read this, you may think this truly touches my heart as that's exactly how I felt when I heard about Crossroads.
Not only does Crossroads provide that home for the women but 2 components that Crossroads have established for the women: 1. each woman opens a savings account and saves at least 75% of her earnings, and 2. each woman is involved with the community through volunteer activities. These program elements provide some financial stability while the woman builds her confidence in the community again thru giving back.
The ultimate goal of Crossroads, is to see each woman thrive in the community. I may have not been incarcerated but the intention really resonated in me. And this is the reason why, my family, especially my daughter and I are here because we want to be a part of this organization that silently serves, silently gives, silently loves and silently gives mercy and compassion. And as a community, I urge you, that as we silently join, we will loudly make an impact on each of these women’s lives, and ours….
Crossroads is a non-profit organization that helps formally incarcerated women to self-sufficiency. I have seen first hand, the great work this program does for women. It's about empowerment, self-loving and learning to live a life outside of prison. Sister Terry, Jackie White, Heather Long and the rest of the staff do an amazing job! Each has their part to play and they do it with passion. I have, and do, contribute to Crossroads and will continue to do so.
My heart is filled when I meet a woman who has completed the program. Whether they work at the 99 cent Store , sandwich counter at Sprouts or have become a college professor, these are all wins. (Yes, I've seen them all.)
Gratitude is the word that comes to mind when I think of the women in the program. They are so grateful for the opportunity of a second chance in life, and that is exactly what Crossroads provides.
Pat Samuelson
PROUD PAST BOARD MEMBER
I started as a volunteer in 2010 for Crossroads, whose mission is to rehabilitate women who have been formerly incarcerated. Almost 40 years ago, I was briefly incarcerated and wanted to find a way to support women who passed from the doors of despair and shame to the welcoming doors of hope and acceptance. I found Crossroads, where women were offered overwhelming support, education, love and community from the programs offered. During my many years of volunteering, I found myself so very grateful for the opportunity to experience the women residents, the most courageous I've ever known. The Crossroads, Inc. residential program has an unparalleled success rate, and 90% of the women reintegrate back into the community as working, contributing members. The program graduates are social workers, drug & alcohol counselors, office managers, factory employees, retail clerks, restaurant workers, cooks, sales representatives, and many have earned college degrees. "Helping and Empowering women to Self-Sufficiency, one woman at a time" is the Crossroads mission, and through my various volunteer positions, the mission has become an immeasurable enhancement to my life.
Marilyn Bidwell, Volunteer
Past President, Board of Directors
Crossroads, Inc.
I'm so impressed with the work this group does with formerly incarcerated women. They help them get reacquainted with life outside of prison and learn to be productive members of society. After six months of education and loving care, they help them find jobs and a place to live.
Having a family member who has been in and out of prison for the majority of their life due to their drug addiction, I was drawn to Crossroads based on their purpose to see woman succeed outside of prison. The Goal of Crossroads is to assist women with a re-instruction into society. Having a program such as this is better not only for the women in question but for society as a whole. I am proud to be a part of such a great organization.
In 2010 there was an article written in our local paper The Courier about Sister Terry and Crossroads. In my personal life my youngest daughter was having a hard time with mental issues and self medicating. Something in my soul told me to call Sister Terry and ask her for advice. Turned out to be one of the best calls, she was so caring. She is an amazing person, and as time went on I got more involved with Crossroads. I have been a volunteer working with the women, have served on the Board, my best time was making soup with the women on Friday's one on one. Eleven years later I still get donations, and help when ever needed. I have a love for Sister Terry and for Crossroads.
Sister Terry and her team at Crossroads genuinely care about their residents. That's the difference right there. The passion and drive to help the women of Crossroads always comes first. Crossroads isn't just a program. It is a home for its residents. Sister Terry and her team work tirelessly to make sure that the women who enter their doors not only have a genuine chance of adjusting to life outside but that they have a family in the process.
Crossroads is an incredible program that is dedicated to giving formally incarcerated women a second chance. They do this by providing an extremely effective and structured program that also envelops the women with love and care. They find jobs, save money, and receive counseling in a supportive and respectful atmosphere. As Sister Terry, their amazing, long-time executive director states, "We love the women until they are able to love themselves." The women graduating from this program have less than a 10% recidivism rate, compared to a state average of over 50%. These women graduate from the program and become successful members of society. Many go on to college and/or rewarding careers. I am so impressed by the mission of the program and honored to be a member of their board of directors.
One of the many things that stands out to me about Crossroads is the impact they have on the women who have been given a second chance. They truly are able to get jobs, apartments, manage finances and build their new community through the support and guidance they are given. It's not an easy road - but the staff and board are committed to doing all they can to create opportunities for success. Their reputation in the state is top notch and they are highly respected by the criminal justice system. Crossroads helps women do the work necessary to stay out of prison and be successful and productive citizens.
Sister Terry and her staff of caring professionals have created a place of healing that has helped hundreds of women find meaningful lives outside of prison. Crossroads, Inc. should be a model for other organizations of its kind.
Sister Terry and her staff, plus volunteers, have created a dynamic and effective program in Claremont, CA. The Board of Directors and organization's neighborhood advocates are diverse and passionate about the initiative. I have assisted Crossroads with an annual fundraising event and I am inspired by the work that they are doing together with the women who are eager to acclimate to society in order to give back positively throughout their communities and throughout work opportunities, field trips, and home building activities. Kudos to Crossroads!