Frequently Asked Questions

We find that the cycle of recidivism is one such problem that warrants a closer examination of our criminal justice system, correctional systems, and community services in Washington State. Over 95 percent of individuals in prison will return to the community, and more than half of them will re-offend and be re-incarcerated in today’s system. The high rate of recidivism results in more crimes, more victims, more prisons, and more trauma within families and communities. Concurrently, people with behavioral health conditions such as mental illness, substance use disorders, or co-occurring disorders, are 3–6 times more likely than the general population to be represented in the criminal justice system. 85 percent of incarcerated people were either struggling with addictive substance use disorder themselves or were under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs at the time of their crime. Further, an estimated 80 percent of returning community members have chronic medical, psychiatric, or substance use disorders.

The consequences of lack of health care and/or inadequate transition of care during the reentry period can be severe. A study of more than 76,000 persons released from Washington State Department of Corrections found that death rates among returning community members were 3.6 times higher than expected, with overdose as the leading cause of death. Risk of death was particularly high in the first week after release. When individuals do not get needed health care during reentry, the consequences impact not only themselves but the communities to which they have returned. Untreated health conditions and poor health status have been found to be associated with increased rates of recidivism and higher associated costs to the health care and criminal justice systems. Linkage to health coverage upon release from prison or jail is a critical aspect of the reentry process that may promote greater personal stability and productivity, as well as better care coordination in the community health care system and subsequent reductions in state expenditures.

Those reentering the community following incarceration are not alone. Individuals transitioning from active-duty service to civilian life as a veteran and people leaving a hospital or treatment center after a stay also experience similar challenges to reintegration. These challenges encompass a range of barriers, including limited access to education and employment opportunities, healthcare disparities, housing instability, and the complexities of family reunification. Addressing these issues is crucial for facilitating successful reintegration and reducing recidivism.

Our organization is working towards the objective of developing and implementing solutions that enhance public safety and improve outcomes for individuals reentering society. To help achieve this objective, we are in the process of becoming a Behavioral Health Agency (BHA) licensed by the Washington State Department of Health, and certified by the Washington State Health Care Authority to provide community-based programs and behavioral health support services to our members. We are also working to realize the above mission and vision of this foundation by building a coalition with various government agencies, corporations, and other nonprofit organizations across the state. This includes entities involved in the reentry process, such as corrections, housing authorities and providers, health care systems and organizations, and other service providers to help individuals returning to the community establish a source of income and employment ; build social networks that provide tangible supports ; strengthen emotional supports by supporting family reunification efforts ; and provide holistic supports that address physical health, behavioral health, and housing.n answer to this item.

The Calyx Foundation contributes to its members' development by providing programs and services that promote leadership, community engagement, citizenship, creative expression, member wellbeing, and the realization of personal and professional success. Our recovery-focused programs are comprised of Medicaid-funded services to promote socialization, recovery, self-advocacy, development of natural supports, and maintenance of community living skills for individuals with a behavioral health diagnosis. Once licensed and certified, our behavioral health support services will include psychiatric medication monitoring; crisis support; peer support ; rehabilitative case management; day support; supported employment; and supportive housing.

Currently, the Calyx Foundation consists of a three-panel board of directors, two corporate officers, and an executive director. None of our directors or officers are justice impacted (i.e., they have no felony convictions). Our board consists of a licensed physician, a health care administrator of a regional hospital, and an attorney. Our president has over twenty years of experience in corrections, our treasurer is an IRS consultant, and our executive director is a military veteran. Further, two of our founding members are certified by the Washington State Health Care Authority as Peer Support Specialists with lived experience stemming from their time in Washington correctional centers. Moreover, we are in the process of establishing a General Advisory Council comprised of representatives for the criminal justice system, victims and their families, justice impacted individuals and their families, and service providers, with the purpose of advising our board and officers on the foundation's policies, programs, and services.

The Calyx Foundation is continuing to establish a network of partners and associates across local, state, tribal, and federal entities, building an alliance with the many actors who contribute to reentry success. We work closely with agencies such as the National Reentry Resource Center, Washington Statewide Reentry Council, and Community Partners for Transition Solutions to help enhance public safety and improve outcomes for individuals reentering society after incarceration. We also work in collaboration with community-based organizations that provide reentry services to formally incarcerated people and their families across the state. As well as workforce development organizations such as WorkSource, FareStart, and various opportunity employers who share a commitment to disrupting recidivism and reducing barriers to employment, including private corporations who are using their platforms to champion second chance employment.

We continue to develop a network of contributors who have pledged to support our efforts through cash and in-kind donations. While we are waiting for a declaration letter from the IRS confirming our federal status as a tax-exempt organization, we are responding to several Funding Opportunity Announcements regarding the availability of current and upcoming government, corporate, and foundation grants. In the meantime, we are working with a business brokerage to help us evaluate potential revenue opportunities for Fee-For-Service income. The Calyx Foundation is also evaluating Medicaid-funded services for mental health that we will be authorized to provide upon licensure and certification as a community Behavioral Health Agency. Such billable services for behavioral health include, but are not limited to, peer support to provide nonclinical support to achieve long-term recovery from mental health and/or substance use challenges ; supported employment behavioral health services to assist in job search, placement services, and training to help individuals find competitive jobs in their local communities ; and supportive housing behavioral health services to support an individual's transition to community integrated housing.

If you or someone you know is interested in supporting the Calyx Foundation, either through contributions or by volunteering, we encourage you to send us an inquiry (info@calyx-foundation.org) to learn more about who we are, what we are doing to serve the people of Washington State, and to help build stronger, healthier, and safer communities.