EL PASO, TEXAS (KFOX14\/CBS4) \u2014 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.<\/p>\n
El Paso County Commissioner Sergio Coronado said the El Paso Promise Program is \u201cgaining a lot of traction\u201d as it moves through its second phase. <\/p>\n
The program has expanded beyond its original age range of 17 to 28 and now includes adults 28 and older.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Emily Schmalz reports on City outreach leads CDL Rapido to partner with El Paso Promise reentry program (Credit: KFOX14)<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
RECOMMENDED: El Paso Promise expansion aims to cut repeat offenses by adding services for those over 28<\/p>\n
Coronado said there are \u201ca lot of organizations joining us,\u201d and he expects even more partners \u201cin the very near future.\u201d<\/p>\n
One of the new partners is CDL Rapido, a training program that helps people earn a commercial driver\u2019s license. <\/p>\n
CDL Rapido Director of Operations Chris Hernandez said the partnership came after the organization was contacted by the city of El Paso.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe were contacted by the city of El Paso and we met with them and they liked our training and now we\u2019re really excited about this opportunity,\u201d Hernandez said.<\/p>\n
RECOMMENDED: El Paso jail diversion program expands, as taxpayers question funding<\/a><\/p>\n Hernandez said CDL Rapido has experience working with people re-entering the workforce, including those who have recently been released from incarceration.<\/p>\n \u201cYou know, we have some students who have gone through our program that just came out of incarceration for many years, and we\u2019ve seen so many success stories, and I mean anybody can do it,\u201d Hernandez said. <\/p>\n I mean you put your mind to it, and our programs are very, very patient.<\/p>\n He said there is already interest from potential participants, but they must meet the Promise Program\u2019s requirements before starting. <\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re all about second chances,\u201d Hernandez said.<\/p>\n RECOMMENDED: Daniel Eller becomes first and youngest graduate of El Paso Promise reentry program<\/a><\/p>\n Hernandez said CDL training takes about two weeks, with both day and evening classes available.<\/p>\n He said financing options are offered for those who need help paying.<\/p>\n You can find more information on the El Paso Promise program here<\/a>.<\/p>\n