Ronnie’s House Launches First-of-Its-Kind Reentry Summit Inside Chino Men’s Prison

Groundbreaking event equips incarcerated individuals with financial, career, and entrepreneurial resources ahead of reentry

Long Beach, CA – For the first time, a California state prison will host a two-day reentry summit, equipping incarcerated men with financial literacy, career training, and entrepreneurial tools before their release and tools they can use inside. The initiative aligns with the new California Model, which emphasizes rehabilitation to combat the state’s 60% recidivism rate and will take place during National Second Chance Month, April 12^th to April 13^th.

Switch the Hustle: Level Up from the Inside Out Reentry Summit, at Chino Men’s Prison is led by Ronnie’s House in partnership with the Emmada Institute, Cal State Long Beach Institute of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, and justice reform organizations like the Amity Foundation and others.

This summit marks a first-of-its-kind initiative within the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR), signaling a shift toward more proactive reentry support inside correctional facilities.

“The California Institution for Men (CIM) in Chino is excited to host this groundbreaking reentry summit because we see the department evolving, and we want to be part of its evolution,” said Warden Eric Mejia.

The event will open with trauma-informed care workshops, focusing on emotional literacy, stress management, and mental wellness—critical factors in successful reintegration. Special attention will be given to relationship-building and domestic violence prevention, both key components in reducing recidivism.

“Mental health and wellness are essential for building a fulfilling life, fostering healthy relationships, and embracing new opportunities. This summit empowers justice-impacted individuals to turn challenges into strengths, develop and build a positive future,” said Dr. Rick Williamson of the Emmada Institute.

Financial literacy sessions will cover credit management, school funding, and pathways into high-growth careers such as artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, and green energy. On day two, the focus will shift to entrepreneurship and nonprofit development, giving participants the tools to launch their own businesses and community programs.

“Those impacted by the system have a 40% chance of starting a business or launching a nonprofit which can turn their setbacks and pain into a deeper purpose, said Shirin Senegal, Executive Director of Ronnie’s House.  We are grateful for the amazing team at Chino, such as Community Resource Manager, Angel Wirth who is dedicated to the California Model. It takes a village to decrease recidivism.

About Ronnie’s House

Ronnie’s House is a leader in justice reform and reentry advocacy. In 2020, Executive Director Shirin Senegal led the Racial Reconciliation Initiative, advancing reentry efforts statewide. In 2023, the organization expanded its mission to promote inclusive hiring practices for justice-impacted individuals.

Beyond its work inside Chino Men’s Prison, Ronnie’s House also hosts an annual reentry summit in Long Beach, CA, drawing hundreds of stakeholders from probation, sheriff’s departments, nonprofits, and directly impacted individuals. The organization has distributed thousands of printed resource guides to halfway houses and prisons, in addition to operating a comprehensive online reentry resource hub.