Oscar was forced into a lifestyle at a very young age like many other men of color and found himself a victim of the prison system on several occasions. Oscar sought out help only to have it used against him. On his last incarceration, Oscar vowed for it to be his final and to not only change his life but help change the system that was designed to create failure. He began his work on day 1 inside the prison system! Jessica was a victim of sexual assault from the age of 2 to 18, she found herself in the juvenile corrections system at a very young age. She was a victim of domestic violence that ended only when she was kidnapped and left for...Together they vowed to change the pathway for those in similar situations and have created systems to ensure successful pathways. Oscar & Jessica are survivors who now lead the charge teaching others to not only survive but live!
The Ortiz Ark Foundation has recognized the importance of successful reentry. By working with our law enforcement and community partners, we are integrally involved in the development and implementation of creative solutions to address reentry barriers.
A primary focus of our reentry efforts is to remove or reduce barriers to successful reentry, so that motivated individuals - who have served their time and paid their debt to society or are ready to reenter society from a life situation, disability, domestic violence, and homelessness. We focus on areas strengthening participants so they are able to compete for a job, attain stable housing, support their children and their families, and contribute to their communities.
Reentry Director & Coach
Oscar Ortiz 484-226-8645
ReEntry Coach, Mentor & Pardon Coach
Peer Mentor
Vacant
"You don't have to see the whole staircase just take the first steps"
Dr. Martin Luther King
A pardon is a powerful tool for people who deserve a second chance. In Pennsylvania, the pardon process is free and more accessible than ever before. The Pardon Project of Lehigh County was created to help members of our community who were once convicted of a non-violent crime, completed their sentence, and turned their lives around – and only their past is holding them back from pursuing their potential.
If you’re someone who has a criminal record and is considering seeking a pardon, there are several benefits to doing so. Firstly, a pardon can help remove the stigma and barriers that come with having a criminal record, making it easier to find employment, housing, and education opportunities. Additionally, a pardon can provide a sense of closure and allow you to move on from your past mistakes, freeing you to pursue personal and professional growth. The potential benefits of a pardon are significant and can create a range of opportunities that may not have been available otherwise. We want to help you realize this opportunity!
For more information or to register for a pardon
https://pardonmepa.org/lehigh/
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