Project Kinship
PROGRAMS
Restorative Practices Intervention in Schools
In our longest-running program, PK is present at 35 middle and high schools across five school districts in Orange County and Los Angeles County to support students impacted by violence, gangs, and the justice system. Our team promotes understanding and problem solving over punitive measures.
In 2026, we anticipate achieving the following outcomes: 1) Students Experience a Stronger Sense of Belonging, Safety, and Connection at School, 2) Conflicts and Harmful Behaviors Are Addressed Through Restoration Rather Than Punishment, 3) Students Strengthen Their Ability to Communicate, Self-Regulate, and Navigate Conflict in Healthy Ways, and 4) Families Feel More Connected, Heard, and Engaged in Their Child’s School Experience.
Kinship Youth Center
In May 2025, we opened the doors to our after-school drop-in Kinship Youth Center at our headquarters in Santa Ana. Open Tuesdays through Fridays and every other Saturday, we provide a safe haven for at-risk middle and high school students through programming including group circles, mentorship, leadership development, art therapy, academic tutoring, Saturday excursions to nature and cultural centers, and more.
This year, we anticipate achieving the following outcomes: 1) Participants will have access to educational/vocational placement with support from mentors in order to maintain a positive standing in an educational or vocational program, 2) Youth participants will report an increase in satisfaction, happiness, positive outlook, sense of belonging, motivation, purpose, and desire to participate in extra-curricular activities and social engagement, and 3) Participants will have opportunities to be trained as certified Circle Keepers and begin peer leadership roles with the support and guidance of Kinship Youth Center staff.
Social Enterprise Program
Formerly incarcerated individuals face tremendous barriers to re-entry, education, and employment. Without consistent paid employment, formerly incarcerated individuals are unable to provide for themselves and wind up unhoused or arrested again. To address this need, we are launching our Social Enterprise Program which will provide workforce development training and paid employment through a stipend to formerly incarcerated participants while raising awareness and revenue for our mission and programs. We are starting this new program with Kinship Grinds Coffee, a mobile coffee cart that will be operated by our participants and staff and help change the representation of justice-impacted individuals in Orange County.
During our program's first twelve months, we anticipate achieving the following outcomes: 1) we will provide education and employment resources to 960 transition age youth and formerly incarcerated adults, 2) 580 of these participants will complete one or more individualized goals that will help with economic mobility, 3) 75% of our Social Enterprise Program participants will complete job training, and all Social Enterprise Program participants will display an increase in job readiness skills. All PK participants’ goals, attendance, and progress are tracked in our HIPAA-compliant client database Apricot.
Adult Re-Entry Success
Our Adult Re-Entry Success Program provides credible and compassionate support to adults who have been released from incarceration in the last twelve months. Our comprehensive, wraparound services include peer navigation, case management, substance use recovery, behavioral health, education and employment pathways, counseling groups, and much more.
Annually, we anticipate achieving the following outcomes: 1) 30% of individuals contacted through outreach will have completed a screening and assessment for program enrollment, 2) 50% of participants referrals will result in a confirmed linkage, 3) 50% of participants will receive employment/education assistance by the provider, 4) 50% of participants who need housing receive housing assistance, 5) 80% of participants who require higher level of care receive a warm hand-off, and 6) 60% of clients receiving mental health counseling services will report improvement in well being and quality of life.
Corrections Cohort
The Corrections Cohort is a care coordination program designed for individuals with four or more incarcerations within the past 12 months. Partnering with Orange County agencies and departments, the program aims to reduce recidivism by helping participants navigate the County’s complex system of care. Through intensive case management and dedicated peer support, our team walks alongside each participant, providing consistent and compassionate guidance through every challenge, and building connections that foster long-term change.
Annually, we anticipate achieving the following outcomes: 1) 70% of participants will secure a confirmed linkage through their ISP, 2) 70% of participants will be connected to supportive services, benefits, and/or resources, 3) 70% of participants will have a connection to income through public assistance, employment, or combination within 6 months, and 4) 60% of participants will have a reduction in the amount of county jail bookings.
CONTACT
Project Kinship
1833 E. 17th Street
Santa Ana, California 92705
Project Kinship
Phone: 714-686-0703