MISSION & VISION
Our Mission
To transform the lives of individuals impacted by incarceration through compassionate experiential education.
Our Vision
We are deeply committed to our vision of providing every person with the opportunity and support to learn how to become a responsible, productive member of society.
Occupational Mentor Certification Program (OMCP)
California’s First In-Custody Counselor Training Program
Options played a lead role in developing and implementing California’s counselor training program for incarcerated individuals—one that we believe to be the first of its kind in the nation. This curriculum prepares adults in custody to become certified by the state-recognized organization. The 2006 pilot program served as a model for the offender mentor certification program.
In this program, participants must face past traumas that they may not have ever confronted before. As spoken by one of the program’s counselors, “We didn’t sell out. We grew up.” That’s powerful, it’s a way forward, and the Occupational Mentor Certification Program is showing them the way.
Project Avary Online Program
Project Avary is a national leader in supporting children with incarcerated parents. Children of incarcerated parents are often overlooked. We make sure they are seen, supported, and empowered.
Trauma to Transformation Workshop
Compassion Prison Project’s One-Day Trauma-to-Transformation Workshop begins with the Compassion Trauma Circle. Steps are taken into a large circle of participants as they respond to questions about traumatic events they experienced in childhood — questions based on the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) Quiz.
This is a transformative experiential event designed to help participants recognize that their behavioral issues stem from the trauma they experienced as children and young adulthood.
Also explored are the Symptoms of Trauma and PTSD, limiting beliefs and how to resolve them, self-forgiveness and personal empowerment.