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Dear Gemma Project Community, The last few months have been full of growth, milestones, and new beginnings at The Gemma Project. We are very excited to share what has grown since our last newsletter. Check out our updates below:
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The NEW Gemma House in Contra Costa County
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We are thrilled to announce that we have secured the critical missing piece in our continuum of services! The Gemma Transitional House will provide desperately needed housing for women who are returning to their community in Contra Costa County California.
Can you imagine exiting the jail into homelessness? For the majority of our clients, this is their reality. Help us make this house a home by donating here, or, use our Amazon wishlist. Every donation you make will help our clients walk into a space that feels safe, welcoming, and provides them with the stability they need to achieve their goals.
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Women Leading the Change: The Impact of Our Measure X Innovation Grant
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The Gemma Team and Panelists at The Silent 10% Event |
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This year, we served 62 participants through our in-custody Day Program and our Continuing Care community services that bridge custody to the community in Contra Costa County. The work is worth celebrating, but it’s also a powerful step forward in systems change. Staying true to Gemma's roots, one-third of our MX Policy Advocacy Coalition was made up of justice-involved women, ensuring that those most impacted by the criminal legal system helped shape the solutions. Together, the Coalition identified one clear policy recommendation: Create equitable access and availability of in-custody and community-based reentry programs and services designed specifically for justice-involved women—and ensure those services are truly gender-responsive, rather than simply adapting programs created for men. Coalition members brought this recommendation directly to the Contra Costa County Public Protection Committee and shared it with the broader community during The Silent 10%: The Untold Crisis of the Justice System's Fastest Growing Population - Women event at Diablo Valley College. By centering lived experience, we continue to ensure that women are not just the recipients of services—they are leaders in transforming the systems that impact their lives. Thank you to every Coalition member as well as our powerful panel of speakers who shared their voice, experience, and vision for a more equitable future.
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Want to learn more about programs that support higher education for justice-involved individuals? We were proud to co-host the Policy Coalition event with our partners at Diablo Valley College Scholars for Justice who support incarcerated, formerly incarcerated, and justice-impacted students by offering academic, financial and basic-needs assistance to facilitate their transition into higher education and careers. Learn more at risingscholarsnetwork.org. Access to education and on-campus support services, including childcare, is one of the pathways to breaking the intergenerational cycle of incarceration. Check out the amazing film Breaking Barriers, created by filmmaker and Silent 10% panelist Kristel Cosio.
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Panelists at The Silent 10% Event, catered by Andrea (on the right). Hire her for your next event! She is ready to work. |
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Gemma Brings Mental Health Awareness to Incarcerated Women in Sonoma County
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In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, The Gemma Project was honored to receive funding through California's Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) to bring a mental wellness event to women incarcerated at the Sonoma County Main Adult Detention Facility. Justice-involved women experience disproportionately high rates of mental health challenges, often shaped by histories of trauma, violence, substance use, and systemic barriers to care. On May 21, we gathered with 32 women for Mental Wellness, Support & Strength, a three-hour interactive workshop focused on building practical coping skills and self-care strategies that participants could begin using immediately while in custody and continue using after returning to their communities. We receved overwhelmingly positive feedback from participants and officers:
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By equipping women with practical tools to manage stress, regulate emotions, and care for their mental well-being, we hope to strengthen their foundation for successful reentry and long-term wellness. We are already scheduled to replicate this event in Alameda County in September.
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Participants at Sonoma Main Adult Detention Facility |
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Sylvie Wilson, Grants and Operations Coordinator. Sylvie has facilitated Gemma’s programming for women at West County Detention Facility, and is deeply supportive of creating spaces centered on healing, education, and self-determination. She uses her overarching understanding of Gemma’s programming to deliver reporting and support operations. |
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Alondra Orozco, Continuing Care Coordinator. Alondra is a bilingual English and Spanish speaker passionate about advocating for Spanish-speaking system-impacted women and uplifting their voices. Alondra is excited to continue her advocacy work and support women in all 10 coastal counties in California. |
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Emily Rodriguez, Continuing Care Coordinator. Emily is an educator, advocate, and community leader dedicated to supporting underserved youth, families, and justice-involved women. Her work is grounded in equity, empowerment, and the belief that every person deserves access to opportunity, dignity, and meaningful support systems. |
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We're Growing: Day Program Pilot in San Mateo!
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We're thrilled to share that The Gemma Project is expanding into San Mateo County Jail! This marks an important step in our mission to replicate our program and provide a pathway to hope and healing for more justice-involved women.
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Join our Board of Directors
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The Gemma Project is seeking leaders to help guide our mission, expand our impact, and champion our growth through fundraising and resource development to ensure success in perpetuity. It is our commitment to have our Board reflect the community we serve! We welcome underrepresented individuals to apply. Together, we can restore Hope, Opportunity, and Community. To apply, use this form. For more information, contact Cynthia Chase, Executive Director, at cynthia@thegemmaproject.org
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P.S. When women participate in our programming they show 40% reductions in recidivism. Make your donation today to make it possible for individuals and communities to heal and thrive.
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Thank you to our recurring donors: Amber Schaefer Amy Richardson Amy Schwimmer Annee Hayden Martin Bruce & Lisa Deal Caitlin Grant Cara Mayrick Carrie McWilliams & Family Deborah Shoop Don Lane Doug Abrams Dr. Lisa Oldham Edward & May Yee Chan Memorial Fund Emma Gibby Emma Nadler Emmalee Meyer Gina Garrubbo Holly Rogers Hugh & Carolina Kaplan Jay Trachim Kenneth L Karst Foundation (Racial Equity Foundation) Kimberly Gubbins / Boston Charitable Fund Mary Bendokas Maryellen McCabe Meghan Burke Melissa Harrell Ms. Wendy Harman Pam Kummert Pat & Marlene Sheely Ratchanida Boonnuea Rupal & Sejal Sanghvi Sandra Fisler Sandra Karlin Sara Armstrong Sarah Hainstock Smith Family Foundation Tim & Kelsey Johnson
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