Sponsors, Inc. Programs

Program Descriptions

PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY: To be eligible for Sponsors, an ex-offender must be on parole, post-prison supervision, or supervised probation in Lane County, Oregon. The only crime exclusions are arsonists for men and arsonists and sex offenders for women. Approximately 30% of the males in the program are sex offenders, mirroring the prison population. For both men and women, arsonists are occasionally accepted into the program after a careful examination of the circumstances of their crime.

CLIENT FEES: All clients are required to pay $5/day for food beginning the day they enter the program. This fee may be paid with the Oregon Trail Card (food stamps). There is no rent for the first 30 days; men pay $1.50/day from day 31 through day 60, and $6.00/day thereafter. For women, the first 30 days are free, day 31 through 90 is $1.50/day, and $6.00/day thereafter. In both Honors’ Programs, clients provide their own food and rent ranges from $200.00/month to $325.00/month, depending on the size of the room.

Staff: It is Sponsors policy to give preference in hiring to ex-offenders and/or those who are actively involved in recovery programs. Of the 16 individuals currently employed at Sponsors, 11 are ex-offenders and 7 participated in the program when released (some employees fit in more than one category). Additionally, it is expected that ex-offenders who come to work at Sponsors will increase their skills through furthering their education. Over the past 18 years, 3 staff persons have acquired Masters degrees, 4 BA’s, and numerous AA’s and CADC’s (Certified Alcohol & Drug Counselor).

Funding: Of Sponsors current $1.2million budget, approximately 70% comes from service contracts with Lane County Health & Human Services, which manages contracts for all of the local community corrections programs. The money is allocated to counties on a formula basis as part of Oregon’s long-standing commitment to Community Corrections. Approximately 20% comes from client fees for food and rent, with the balance coming from a myriad of sources, including approximately $45,000.00/year in community donations.