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Dear Gemma Project Community, We are thrilled to share how much has unfolded since our last newsletter. At the heart of our work is a clear mission: to replicate The Gemma Project in as many jails and prisons across the country as possible. What began as a single model site in Contra Costa County has already grown into something even more powerful. Our journey started with one year of Measure X Innovation Funding, which allowed us to launch The Gemma Project model locally. Building on that success, we secured three years of AB 109 Gender-Responsive Pilot Grant Funding, officially establishing our model site and solidifying our presence in the county. To top that off, we were awarded the Adult Reentry Grant from the Board of State and Community Corrections (BSCC). This award represents an even more ambitious step forward: expanding our services into the state prison system and establishing Gemma’s presence in nine additional counties along California’s coast. A key element of this grant is dedicated funding for housing which participants in the prison focus groups identified as their number one need. Through this grant, we are extending our reach and ensuring that more justice-involved women can access the gender- and trauma-responsive care they deserve – both inside and as they transition home.
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Thanks to this support, we’ve also had the privilege of welcoming incredible new staff to our team – Continuing Care Coordinators who begin their relationship and build trust with participants prior to release and continue to walk alongside them as they return home, and a Day Program Coordinator who is anchoring our Contra Costa County site through our comprehensive, evidence-based in-custody curriculum. Their skill, compassion, and commitment are bringing our vision to life every single day! (See the cutest group picture ever taken below!) We want to pause and say thank you to YOU. For showing up. For supporting us. For spreading the word. For believing in what Gemma stands for. With your support, we are doing more than providing a program or service. We are catalyzing a movement rooted in hope, opportunity, and community – and we are helping to change the trajectory of women’s lives. With unending appreciation and gratitude, Lara Love Hardin and Cynthia Chase Co-Founders, The Gemma Project
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We are proud to share that our Pretrial Services Program was renewed with Contra Costa County Probation for a second year! Since launching in 2024, we have received 48 referrals, |
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with nearly 70% of women choosing to engage in services – well beyond our initial goal. Participants received individualized care, from assessments and system navigation to direct referrals for housing, therapy, and employment. Housing emerged as the greatest need, and through strong partnerships, many of our highest risk participants were able to find stability as they worked to complete their pretrial release goals.
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Amy, our Pretrial Care Coordinator makes contact with referrals within the first week, and 88% of participants who engaged remained active for 12 weeks or more. |
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A remarkable 82% showed improvements across multiple areas of stability, and to date, none of our participants have reoffended.
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These outcomes demonstrate the importance of early, gender-responsive intervention and the power of collaboration between Gemma, Probation, and community partners. |
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As we enter our second year, we are building on this strong foundation – adapting to participants’ needs, expanding access to services, and continuing to walk alongside women on their journeys toward healing, stability, and long-term success. If you would like to see our full Annual Pretrial Report, please visit thegemmaproject.org/reports.
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Meet our wonderful, amazing, talented new team members! To see our full team, visit: thegemmaproject.org/team
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Breehana brings a background in psychology, community work, and tech, with a strong commitment to supporting women impacted by systems not built for their success. She began her career working with underserved youth in New Orleans and earned her B.A. in Psychology from Dillard University. After several years in the tech space helping people create flexible income opportunities, and becoming a mother, she felt called to return to work rooted in care, healing, and justice. In her role as a Continuing Care Coordinator, Breehana is passionate about walking alongside women as they navigate reentry and reclaim their lives. She is planning to pursue her Master of Social Work to deepen her ability to serve with intention. Outside of work, she enjoys painting, beach days, family game nights, long walks, and the occasional spa day. This work is deeply personal to her, driven by the life she’s building for her daughter and the change she wants to help create for other women. |
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Cinthia holds a B.A. in Social Welfare with double minors in Education and Public Policy from UC Berkeley. With a background in community advocacy and organizing, she brings a deep personal commitment to supporting and uplifting all marginalized people. Cinthia is a byproduct of her community. Raised in Richmond, CA, she brings with her lived experience of the injustices and hardships that come with limited access to resources. Cinthia previously served as a Resource Specialist for at-promise youth at an alternative high school in Oakland and supported incarcerated men at San Quentin State Prison in earning their GEDs through the Teach in Prison program. She continues to be driven by the belief that access to education and culturally & gender-responsive care can truly be transformative. As a bilingual advocate, she is especially passionate about expanding gender-responsive, trauma-informed support for Spanish-speaking justice-involved women. |
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Sylvie, MSPH serves as Day Program Coordinator at The Gemma Project. She has a background in neuroscience and public health and brings an empowerment oriented and evidence-based lens to her work. Her previous roles have involved advocating for reproductive justice and health equity for Black and brown women, and she is excited to provide support to women who are incarcerated to feel prepared and empowered throughout the day program. Sylvie was born and raised in San Francisco, and after almost a decade in Los Angeles she is excited to be back in the Bay. When she is not working, she loves to practice and teach yoga, read, garden, and be in the sun. |
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Want to Learn How to Bring The Gemma Project to your community? Our monthly replication webinars provide a wonderful opportunity to talk directly with our Executive Director, Cynthia Chase, about how you can support justice-involved women in your own community. SELECT A DATE THAT WORKS FOR YOU!
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This work doesn’t happen without the support of donors like you. Make your donation today to keep this momentum going. We want to serve women in your community next!
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Thank you to our recurring donors: Amber Schaefer Amy Richardson Bruce & Lisa Deal Caitlin Grant Cara Mayrick Carrie McWilliams & Family Doug Abrams Dr. Lisa Oldham Edward & May Yee Chan Memorial Fund Emma Gibby Emma Nadler Holly Rogers Jay Trachim Melissa Harrell Pam Kummert Pat & Marlene Sheely Ratchanida Boonnuea Rupal & Sejal Sanghvi Sandra Fisler Sara Armstrong Tim & Kelsey Johnson
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The Gemma Project team made our presence known at the AJFO Conference in Cincinnati, Ohio Sept 16-18! Check out another cute photo below. We sponsored the event, promoted our program, and engaged in lively discussions. We’re proud that two of our board members Shelley Winner, Board Treasurer & Tess Korth, Board Secretary presented their amazing story - Bridges Beyond the Bars: A True Story of Redemption and Relationship. A special thanks to our Executive Director, Cynthia Chase, for her involvement in planning and coordinating this conference as an AJFO Board Member.
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✨ We’re excited to share some big news! ✨ Thanks to the dedicated work and remarkable leadership of our partner, Captain Jillian Macey – a stellar example of correctional leadership who has long recognized the unmet needs of justice-involved women – Genesee County, Michigan has been selected to host the September 2027 AJFO Conference! Captain Macey submitted a thoughtful, detailed proposal and built a strong coalition of community support, making this exciting opportunity possible. 📅 Mark your calendars for 2027 and stay tuned for official conference dates! Check out our last visit to Genesee County, Michigan below:
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