A new program that provides housing, employment, legal aid, and educational support for justice-involved individuals in the Antelope Valley will officially kick off on Thursday, November 2.

The launch ceremony of the new program by the Los Angeles County Justice, Care and Opportunities Department (JCOD), called Developing Opportunities and Offering Re-Entry Solutions (D.O.O.R.S) Community Reentry Center (CRC), will feature speakers including Fifth District Supervisor Kathryn Barger and Judge Songhai Armstead (Ret.), Director of JCOD.

The JCOD D.O.O.R.S. program will first begin serving individuals virtually, offering a variety of support services including legal services, education, self-help groups, housing support and stabilization support.

A permanent brick and mortar facility will subsequently open at 1753 W. Avenue J in Lancaster. At that site, the JCOD D.O.O.R.S. CRC will offer in-person assistance such as employment services, family support and advocacy, and therapy – including healing through the arts — to improve the lives of Antelope Valley residents.

“D.O.O.R.S. offers individuals an opportunity to get back on their feet after serving time,” said Supervisor Kathryn Barger. “Through D.O.O.R.S., the County has an opportunity to both make a meaningful change in people’s lives and lower recidivism rates. Too many times, justice-involved individuals feel disconnected and isolated. D.O.O.R.S. can change that by connecting them with viable work opportunities and support so they can permanently turn their lives around.”

“We are thrilled to bring this much needed resource to the Antelope Valley,” said Judge Armstead (Ret.). “These services will address many of the barriers to reentry for justice-involved individuals, their families and the community at-large.”

Event Information

What: Program launch for LA County Justice, Care and Opportunities Department (JCOD) Developing Opportunities and Offering Re-Entry Solutions (D.O.O.R.S) Community Reentry Center.

Who: Supervisor Kathryn Barger, Fifth District and Judge Songhai Armstead (Ret.), Director of the Justice, Care and Opportunities Department (JCOD)

When: November 2, 2023, 9:30 a.m.

Where: 45111 Fern Ave., Lancaster, CA