Catholic Rainbow Outreach

Q. What IS C.R.O.?
A. “WE ARE A PRISON MINISTRY” Christian, Catholic, and Inter-denominational …and probably the one and only full time Catholic prison ministry that serves most of California and parts of Mexico on a full-time basis.

Q. Is it open to who?
A. The recovery home is o0nly open for men. The prison Ministry ios open to men and women.

Q. Is there any supervision for the men living there?
A. Yes. C.R.O. is a supervised residential location. Personnel and staff are available twenty-four hours, seven days a week

Q. What do you do?
A. We visit the youth and adult penal institutions (youth, men and women) at least 32 times a month; we give video teaching tapes to some of the prisons..

Q. What activities are available at C.R.O.?
A. We share Bible studies, songs and testimonies, counseling with those who are searching for a new way of life and a closer walk with God,

Q. What services you provide?
A. We reach out in love to those who even reject themselves and who are rejected by society. Our home is offered to men leaving prison, jails or the streets for a new opportunity toward a new life.

Q. What is your religious involvement?
A. We are a Catholic Ministry and share God’s plan of salvation to those who need assurance that God will not leave them or forsake them. (Romans 10:9-10 Ephesians 1:7, 2:8-9) (Hebrew 13:5)

Q. How long does the program last?
A. Mandatory it’s one-year, commitment program {No weekend or day passes}

Q. Who qualifies for the program?
A. C.R.O. is for able-bodied individuals who function normally: physically and mentally

Q. How do I qualify for entry into CRO men recovery home?
A. Call this 562-944-2283, and ask for the Director for a phone interview. You will be asked questions such as:

• If you speak, read or write English,
• Your age, your identification information (such
  as a drivers license, social security card, birth certificate,);
• If you have substance abuse problem, or if you
  are detoxifying, and when was the last time you used control substances.
  
• You will also be asked if you have any court
  cases, and or related questions.
• If you have any handicap,
• If you are you able to work around the house,
  
• If you are you taking medication, and what type
  of medication, and related questions.  

Q. Is there a charge?
A. In some cases there is. We apply the men for General Relief, if they qualify it will pay for their housing and food, if they do not qualify and the family is able to contribute for his stay at CRO there is a set amount. If there are no funds and the person meet our qualifications there is no charge, if the person is on SSI there is a set amount that has to be paid.

Q. If I have a car can I park it there?
A. We do not store vehicles so you will have to find a place to park it.

Q. Can I commit for less than a year?
A. No, we require a year or more.

Q. Can I come from out of state?
A. Yes. If you come by bus we can pick you up at the Norwalk bus depot. If you are on parole apply for an interstate transfer.

Q. Can I enter if I am on parole?
A. Yes but clear it through your parole Officer.

Q. Can I be on certain prescribed medicine?
A. We do allow certain medication so check with the Director when you call.

Q. Can I work outside the home?
A. No. We are a live in program and cannot hold an outside job for about one year. We are a live in dishipleship ministry. We do odd jobs from time to time.

How To Become A Minister

Q. How can I get involved in prison ministry?
A. If this is your interest we will train you and take you into some of the institutions for training or introduce you to the get in touch with the Catholic Chaplin.

Q. Can I volunteer to work in the men home as a volunteer staff or learn how to operate a Christian recovery home?
A. Yes, we need volunteers for teaching, driving, mentors, cooking, car washing, fundraising, etc.

Q. Is there a training involved?
A. we are wiling to train people the basics on running a home and how to become a non-profit organization.

Help Us Help You Help The Community

Q. Can I make a donation and get a tax write off?
A. Yes, we do accept cash, checks, vehicles, etc. We are a 501C ministry.

Q. Can I make a contribution through this Web site?
A. Yes. (Please click here)

Q. Can I get a tax deduction if I donate my old vehicle to the ministry?
A. Donation of cars are also accepted. In order to take vehicles it has to be in good running condition. We will pick them up anywhere in the area included from Fresno down to San Diego.

Other Questions

Q. Can you contact someone in prison for someone?
A. Yes. We would need their correct name, number, age and birth date, and what prison they are in if known.

Q. Do we have referrals to other ministries or other states?
A. Yes, we have referrals to other homes, sober living homes or types of Ministries, for men, women and c hildren.

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