Frequently Asked Questions

What does the name “Gemma” mean?

Gemma is a botanical term meaning a bud ready to grow independently. It was chosen by imprisoned women who identify with the image of blossoming into a new life path.

Who does Gemma serve?

Gemma currently serves adult women in the Santa Cruz County minimum-security jail, Blaine Street, and women released from this facility.

When was Gemma started?

Gemma was started in 2003 by two women in jail at Blaine Street.

Is Gemma a nonprofit?

Yes, Gemma is program of the Community Action Board of Santa Cruz County, Inc., a nonprofit 501(c)3.

What is the Community Action Board (CAB)?

The Community Action Board is a nonprofit organization that coordinates community programs to combat poverty and the causes of poverty in Santa Cruz and Monterey Counties.

Who is eligible for the Gemma transitional house?

A woman who has graduated from the Gemma Day Program is eligible to apply for residency in the Gemma transitional house.

Is Gemma currently accepting applications for residency?

No, the house is scheduled to open Fall, 2007.

Can someone receive services from Gemma if they aren’t in jail?

Currently, Gemma provides services to women at the Blaine Street jail. After release, these participants may continue receiving Gemma services.

Can Gemma help family members of women in jail?

Yes, Gemma can provide support to family members of women participating in the Gemma program through family therapy. Participants and their families are only eligible for therapy after the women is released from jail.

How long can someone live in the Gemma transitional house?

Women can live in the Gemma transitional house for up to 18 months.

How much does it cost to participate in the Gemma program?

It does not cost anything to enroll in our program. Residents are required to contribute 30% of their income toward the Gemma program. Upon successful completion of the program, Gemma will use this money to help women transition to living on their own. No one will be turned away for lack of funds.

Are formerly incarcerated women involved in the planning and operation of Gemma?

Yes, currently and formerly incarcerated women have been involved at every stage of development. Currently, we have formerly incarcerated women on our staff, planning team, and as volunteers for Gemma.

Can women with children live in the Gemma transitional house?

While Gemma children cannot live at the Gemma transitional house, they are eligible to receive therapy from Gemma. We aim to reunify mothers and their children and chose to limit the house to adults only based on feedback from women in jail about the need to become stable before parenting fulltime.

What kinds of classes are offered in the Gemma Day Program?

The Gemma Day Program’s life skills curriculum includes parenting, relapse prevention, career paths, nutrition, yoga, how to succeed on probation, housing preparation, empowerment, education and women’s health.

Who are the instructors for the Gemma Day Program?

The Gemma Day Program instructors are community volunteers who teach in their area of professional or personal experience.

Is there a Gemma program for men?

No, currently Gemma is only for women.

What is Gemma’s approach to substance abuse treatment and recovery?

Gemma uses Seeking Safety, a cognitive behavioral model of recovery, that addresses substance abuse and post traumatic stress disorder. This model has proven successful for incarcerated women.

Are women on parole eligible for Gemma?

Currently, we are only able to work with women in and out of county jail; we hope to expand our services soon.

Are pets allowed at the Gemma house?

No.

Is smoking allowed at the Gemma house?

Smoking cessation resources will be provided and cessation encouraged. There may be designated outdoor areas in which to smoke.

Are residents required to get a job or attend school?

Yes, each woman will co-create with her case manager a plan that will include securing part or full time employment. Women who do not have a high school diploma or equivalency will be required to obtain their GED.

Is therapy required?

A: Yes, residents of the Gemma house are required to attend individual and group therapy.