Currently the State of California has a excellent Fire Fighting program that saves the local municipalities, state and federal governments hundreds of thousands of manpower dollars per year, not to mention the millions or even billions of dollars worth of property and public watershed land. Once these inmate fire fighters are released they are forgotten. The monies and time invested into their training could be continued after their release. I have put a proposal together and sent it out to my Congress and Senate representative, even the White House on how it would work. I suggested that these paroled inmates could continue fire suppression training and FEMA/EMI training to further their training for not just fire suppression but also as first responders in time of natural /catrostraphic disasters i.e. earthquakes, floods, or even a terrorist attack were resources would be needed. I understand there are funds for this, I'm just not aware how this works and in contacting my representatives, I have not been taken serious, as no one answers my request. Can you lead me to someone who can help me. Here is my proposal: EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: (Mission) To seek government funding to hire ex-felons, acquire facilities, equipment (vehicles/tools), office supplies, phones, uniforms, etc. to effectively manage and operate a firefighting camp which will house ex-felons who participated in the California state fire camp program. These inmates prior to their release from prison earned the right to work in a conservation camp by their non-violent behavior and conformance to rules while they were incarcerated. Only minimum-custody inmates were eligible to volunteer for assignment in conservation camps. All volunteers are carefully screened and medically cleared on a case by case basis before they were accepted into the program. The ex-felons who are chosen to participate in this jobs program will be paid a salary and will be required to perform the duties of an emergency response member, as well as performing community work as indicated below. The ex-felon will train in conjunction with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Emergency Management Institute (EMI), for advanced emergency response training, as these ex-offenders would be beneficial as First Responders should the need arise after a catastrophic emergency. Participation in this program will significantly decrease recidivism through the penal system. GOALS: •To provide a productive environment that will motivate and inspire our team members. •To enhance each team member to strive at their peak potential. •To build each team members interest in developing a passion for excellence. •To successfully discharged from probation / parole and gain their place in a productive society. •To ensure all team members are abiding and in compliance with their parole/probationary directives. •To provide meaningful and rewarding employment. VALUES: (Service) Our team members would continuously train in various emergency responses such as: •Wildland brush or forest fires •Floods, earthquakes, or other natural catastrophic disasters •Working with our stakeholders with mutual aid support in whatever the disaster may be. •Provide Community Services •Brush clearances of public properties, •Clearing fallen trees •Recreation park cleanup services •Hillside trail maintenance •Beach maintenance •Roadside maintenance •Filling Sandbags in preparation of floods REHABILITATION: Team members would participate in mandated parole/probation requirements such as One on One or Group Counseling regarding: Alcoholics Anonymous Narcotics Anonymous Educational needs (i.e. GED) Provide Family Services Housing Services Medical Services Increase Self Awareness Promote Behavior Change Prevent further Drug Use Prevent Domestic Violence OBJECTIVES: •Afford the ex-offender upon his/her release from prison a program which is designed to provide meaningful employment and avoid the monumental barriers convicted felons face when trying to find work. •Afford the ex-offender programs which he/she can participate in to comply with parole directives. •Afford surrounding communities (stakeholders) the opportunity to participate in this venture by acquiring services offered by our program i.e. community beautification projects, neighborhood park projects, hillside/road maintenance, beach/river maintenance projects, etc. •Provide life skills giving the ex-offender the ability to: ☆Cope with stresses ☆Challenges of daily life ☆Skills in communication ☆Literacy and decision making ☆Occupational requirements ☆Problem solving ☆Time management and planning
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