Last Tuesday the Orange County Board of Supervisors (Board) approved the allocation of $500,000 from the Fourth District Discretionary Funds to support Cal State Fullerton’s (CSUF) Project Rebound Transformative Housing Expansion for Women. The allocation will serve as foundational support to aid Project Rebound in advancing its goal of creating a transformative housing community specifically designed for women, supporting their reintegration and academic success.
“Cal State Fullerton’s Project Rebound has transformed many lives of formerly incarcerated people in obtaining a higher education and decreasing recidivism in Orange County,” said Vice Chairman Doug Chaffee. “The funds will help Project Rebound expand its housing services to women and eliminate housing insecurity as a barrier to success.”
Project Rebound seeks to support higher education and the successful reintegration of the formerly incarcerated and those impacted by the criminal justice system. Project Rebound offers an alternative to the revolving door policies of mass incarceration by making higher education more accessible and offering supportive services promoting academic success and future success beyond the classroom.
“Cal State Fullerton knows the transformational power of education. These funds will have life-changing implications, empowering women on their academic path as Titans eager to impact our community and our region,” said University President Ronald S. Rochon. “We are committed to addressing the needs of all students. By addressing housing insecurity, this initiative creates a foundation for success, allowing these Titans to achieve their educational and personal goals in a supportive and empowering environment.”
The initiative aims to address the urgent housing needs of formerly incarcerated female university students by establishing a residence modeled on the successful John Irwin Memorial House, currently serving male students. This pioneering model has not only proven effective but has also inspired similar initiatives across the state and country. The funding will support the costs of securing a home in proximity to the CSUF campus and accommodations for five to seven female students.
“Project Rebound at Cal State Fullerton is extremely grateful and appreciative of the Supervisor Doug Chaffee and the Orange County Board of Supervisors investment in establishing the Project Rebound Female Housing Initiative,” said James “JC” Cavitt, Executive Director of CSUF Project Rebound. “These funds will have life-changing implications, empowering women to focus on their academic pursuits while accessing critical opportunities and resources.”
Orange County Vice Chairman Doug Chaffee represents the Fourth District, which includes the Cities of Brea, Buena Park, Fullerton, La Habra, Placentia, Stanton, portions of Anaheim and unincorporated communities.