Sponsors, Inc.
Sponsors empowers people to transform their lives, and strengthens communities by providing life-changing opportunities for people with conviction histories.
People can and do change.
Sponsors is deeply committed to being thought leaders and experts in the field of transformative reentry services.
We offer a broad range of holistic support including transitional housing, permanent supportive housing, employment services, mental health counseling, and mentoring—the critical elements needed for people to begin rebuilding their lives after being incarcerated.
Located in Lane County, Oregon, Sponsors, Inc. was founded in 1973 by Sister Janice Jackson, along with passionate volunteers and community activists. Together the group sponsored young men exiting the Oregon State Correctional Institution. These sponsors met individuals as they exited the prison gates, often with nothing more than the clothing on their backs. The sponsors assisted them to find housing and employment, and helped with social readjustment. Beginning with just five transitional beds, Sponsors has since expanded its housing programs to provide 242 beds of transitional and long-term housing across seven sites throughout Lane County. Sponsors philosophy is rooted in the belief that people can and do change, and that each and every person is deserving of a second chance at life. Every year, Sponsors helps more than 500 people releasing from incarceration in their efforts to be productive, law-abiding, and contributing members of our community. Sponsors is ever-evolving and constantly moving. Join us in helping reimagine what justice looks like here in our community and beyond!