Mission Possible Announces its Official Launch at a Special Event October 17, 2006 at the Orange County, CA Juvenile Hall Building

    /24-7PressRelease/ - IRVINE, CA, October 04, 2006 - Anna Kennedy, Volunteer Project Manager for Mission Possible, was inspired by young female offenders who were determined to change the course of their lives. "The number of incarcerated girls in Orange County is rapidly rising; approximately 250 a year pass through the system. In excess of 80% of these girls have been abused. Helping these girls turn their lives around will have a significant impact on the nature of society in Orange County. It's an urgent need to create programs that will address the specific issues facing young females today," says Anna Kennedy.

Anna turned to Jim Perez, Program Specialist with the Orange County Department of Education, a Division of Alternative Education, Safe Schools & Support Services, to create a vision for the project. Jim Perez: "Mission Possible is a year-long community-based program that will provide re-entry planning, care worker/mentor, health, housing and financial support." Officially sponsored by Boys & Girls Club of America, Cliff Polston, Executive Director for Orange County said, "We know how important community and positive role models are in directing the lives of our youth. This group is at serious risk on re-entry and we are delighted to join with Girls Incorporated of Orange County and other agencies, as well as corporate and private donors, in bringing together a comprehensive structure for pre-release support and re-entry."

Girls Incorporated of Orange County has piloted programs in Juvenile Hall with considerable success. "Now, we want to reach every girl in the system. Female criminal behavior has been commonly perceived as a less serious problem. To me, it is a different problem." states Lucy Santana, Executive Director. "Girls Incorporated is excited to be spearheading the services for this innovative project. We want these girls to have access to our mission of Strong, Smart and Bold."

Anna Kennedy: "Care within the juvenile system in Orange County is excellent. By extending this into the period after discharge, we expect to see significantly lower recidivism rates. These girls are just like other girls - entitled to pursue their dream of a happy and fulfilling life."

For more information, visit www.missionpossible.net or contact:

Anna Kennedy
(949) 400-3358
Project Volunteer and Press Contact

Mission Possible
Creating A Future for Incarcerated Girls

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