Local Retraining The Village Nonprofit is Shaping Stronger Communities in East Palo Alto, CA

Local Recognition of Impact in San Mateo County

Residents and staff at Retraining The Village in East Palo Alto, CA

How Does Retraining the Village provide Impact?

One of the primary goals of a quality rehabilitation program is to break the cycle of recidivism. Without the proper support and guidance, men leaving incarceration, or individuals recovering from a substance use disorder, often face daunting challenges that increase their risk of returning to their previous circumstances.

Retraining The Village recognizes this need and offers a holistic approach that addresses the multifaceted aspects of reentry. By providing medication assisted therapy, mental health support, educational opportunities, vocational training, peer support, and mentorship, Retraining The Village equips individuals with the tools and skills necessary to navigate the complexities of society and forge a new beginning for themselves.

It Takes a Village To Change One Life At a Time

Halley Crumb works with State agencies and prison reentry programs to help place people in her homes. She has met with the Mayor of San Francisco and members of the County of San Mateo.

The financial challenges of paying the rent and other bills are daunting. A program of this magnitude requires partnerships, donations, and volunteerism.
JobTrain partners with Retraining the Village to provide vocational training to program participants. Bed, Bath and Beyond has been incredibly generous partner by providing linens, and Home Depot has partnered to provide supplies, and has even hired a number of the residents.

The neighborhood in East Palo Alto where two of the Retraining The Village residences are located, have been kind enough to trim one of the lawns. Neighbors have reported that the integrity of the personnel and residents at the Retraining The Village homes have improved the conduct in their neighborhoods.

The staff at Retraining The Village say, ‘We walk side by side with the residents on their paths.’

Donate to Support the Village

Retraining the Village men sitting on porch with dogs

What Happens When a Community Refuses to Give Up on People?

Every day, someone in our community wakes up wondering if they will have a safe place to sleep tonight.

Someone is trying to overcome addiction.

Someone is searching for a job after incarceration.

Someone is struggling to reconnect with family.

Someone is wondering if life will ever get better.

For many people facing homelessness, recovery, and reentry challenges, the road back to stability can feel impossible when traveled alone.

That is why Retraining the Village exists.

And that is why TogetherTuesday matters.

500+

Man & Families Serves

1000+

Jobs Provided

300+

Volunteers

10+

E-Courses

The Stories Behind the Statistics

When people visit our website, they often see the numbers first:

500+ men and families served
1,000+ jobs provided
300+ volunteers engaged
86% program success rate

These are important numbers.

But behind every number is a human story.

A father working to regain custody of his children.

A veteran trying to rebuild after years of hardship.

A man overcoming addiction and learning to believe in himself again.

A person who once felt forgotten now discovering purpose, employment, and permanent housing.

These stories rarely make headlines.

Yet they represent some of the most meaningful transformations happening in our communities.

Every success story begins with someone who chose not to walk away.

More Than Transitional Housing

Retraining the Village has never been simply about providing temporary housing.

It is about helping people build sustainable futures.

Participants receive support that addresses the whole person:

Housing stabilization
Job readiness training
Computer and technology skills
Recovery support
Life skills development
Community connection
Employment opportunities

The goal is not merely to survive.

The goal is to thrive.

This whole-person approach is one reason why Retraining the Village has achieved an 86% success rate in helping participants remain employed, substance-free, and permanently housed.

Why Your Support Matters

Transformation takes time.

It takes trained staff.

It takes housing resources.

It takes educational programs.

It takes meals, transportation, technology, mentorship, and countless hours of support.

Most importantly, it takes people who are willing to invest in the possibility that another human being can rebuild their life.

Every donation helps create opportunities for someone who is working toward stability and independence.

Every contribution helps provide access to training, housing support, recovery services, and employment preparation.

Every act of generosity helps strengthen the village.

The Ripple Effect of Generosity

One of the most powerful truths behind TogetherTuesday is that generosity spreads.

When one person receives help, they often become someone who helps others.

We see it every day.

Graduates return to mentor participants.

Former clients share job opportunities.

Volunteers become advocates.

Supporters become lifelong champions for the mission.

A single act of generosity can create a ripple effect that impacts families, neighborhoods, employers, and entire communities.

That is the power of a village.

Be the People

The movement behind TogetherTuesday encourages communities to make care visible through simple acts of generosity and connection. It challenges us to become the people who show up when others need support.

At Retraining the Village, we see this every day.

We see it in volunteers who give their time.

We see it in employers willing to offer a second chance.

We see it in donors who invest in someone’s future.

We see it in participants who choose courage over despair.

Together, these actions create something bigger than any one person or organization could accomplish alone.

The Ripple Effect of Generosity

One of the most powerful truths behind TogetherTuesday is that generosity spreads.

When one person receives help, they often become someone who helps others.

We see it every day.

Graduates return to mentor participants.

Former clients share job opportunities.

Volunteers become advocates.

Supporters become lifelong champions for the mission.

A single act of generosity can create a ripple effect that impacts families, neighborhoods, employers, and entire communities.

That is the power of a village.

Retraining the Village nonprofit support staff, partners, and volunteers in huddle while smiling at camera

Donate to Support Retraining The Village

Join the Village

This TogetherTuesday, we invite you to become part of the story.

Your support helps provide housing stabilization, workforce development, recovery support, technology training, and life-changing opportunities for individuals who are working to build brighter futures.

The challenges facing our communities are real.

But so is the impact we can make when we come together.

Because when a village believes in someone, lives change.

And when lives change, communities become stronger.

If you would like to support the mission of Retraining the Village, consider making a donation, becoming a volunteer, sharing our story, or introducing our work to someone who wants to make a difference.

Together, we can help more people move from crisis to stability, from uncertainty to opportunity, and from surviving to thriving.

Because it still takes a village to change one life at a time.

By: Michelle Calloway

October 1, 2023