Executive Summary

Launched nearly 30 years ago, Community Works (CW) combines direct services, research, training, and advocacy to transform justice at the individual and systemic levels.

Our nation imprisons more people than anywhere else in the world and California has one of the top incarceration rates. CW operates in the San Francisco Bay Area, a place lauded for its progressive politics and social tolerance, an image juxtaposed with the same racist roots that exist throughout this country as systems continue to target and devastate the lives of poor Black and brown people. Yet we believe that justice demands humanity and we envision a future where justice heals.

CW has always pushed boundaries of what has been considered possible. Even when faced with skepticism, we develop programs that are demonstrably effective–boasting high rates of survivor satisfaction, reduced recidivism, limited public costs–and that ultimately make our communities safer without further fracturing them.

With a localized service area and trailblazing history, CW plays a hybrid role as micro-focused service provider and macro-aimed systems change advocate. By translating learned lessons from decades of on-the-ground work, we provide insights that catalyze informed policy shifts.

Rooted in restorative justice and centered around young people, our programs include: leadership development, skill-building, early intervention diversion, violence prevention, family strengthening, reentry case management, and counseling for those who have been harmed and/or caused harm alike. Past program participants play key roles in every facet of the organization, from CW’s board to its executive leadership and throughout its staff.

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