EL PASO, TEXAS (KFOX14/CBS4) — A local rehabilitation initiative aimed at helping justice-involved people rebuild their lives is expanding in El Paso County, adding new community partners and widening who can qualify for services.
El Paso County Commissioner Sergio Coronado said the El Paso Promise Program is “gaining a lot of traction” as it moves through its second phase.
The program has expanded beyond its original age range of 17 to 28 and now includes adults 28 and older.
The El Paso Promise Program connects people involved with the justice system to education, job training, and career opportunities, with a focus on rehabilitation and long-term success.
Emily Schmalz reports on City outreach leads CDL Rapido to partner with El Paso Promise reentry program (Credit: KFOX14)
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Coronado said there are “a lot of organizations joining us,” and he expects even more partners “in the very near future.”
One of the new partners is CDL Rapido, a training program that helps people earn a commercial driver’s license.
CDL Rapido Director of Operations Chris Hernandez said the partnership came after the organization was contacted by the city of El Paso.
“We were contacted by the city of El Paso and we met with them and they liked our training and now we’re really excited about this opportunity,” Hernandez said.
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Hernandez said CDL Rapido has experience working with people re-entering the workforce, including those who have recently been released from incarceration.
“You know, we have some students who have gone through our program that just came out of incarceration for many years, and we’ve seen so many success stories, and I mean anybody can do it,” Hernandez said.
I mean you put your mind to it, and our programs are very, very patient.
He said there is already interest from potential participants, but they must meet the Promise Program’s requirements before starting.
Participants cannot have a history of violent, sexual or child-related offenses and must commit to program requirements such as regular check-ins, attending assigned programs and avoiding new offenses.
“We’re all about second chances,” Hernandez said.
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Hernandez said CDL training takes about two weeks, with both day and evening classes available.
He said financing options are offered for those who need help paying.
You can find more information on the El Paso Promise program here.
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