Building Confidence and Competence

We believe in second chances

Developing skills, confidence and hope to restore lives

Returning to Communities Better Than They Arrived

Merit Partners is a pre-release job training program for people incarcerated within correctional facilities with the goal of a successful return to their communities

Merit pays its inmate employees market wages to perform all aspects of running its electronic waste recycling small business.

 

Merit Partners, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, has operated Merit Partners within the Northern California Youth Facility in Stockton, California since 2004.

Merit operates its electronic reclamation business by employing and training young adult offenders in all aspects of running a business. From receiving older electronics from our corporate clients, to systemically filing and cataloging each item, to restoring the electronics, to eventually selling and shipping the electronics to customers, each step is performed by our highly trained employees. Our jobs and job-training program helps prepare young adults with the inspiration and skills to succeed upon release from incarceration. Merit hires individuals who show desire to learn and willingness to contribute and be held accountable for their work.

Merit Employees get paid a Fair Market Wage.  After taxes, where does the money go?

20%
Restitution for Victims of Violent Crimes
20%
Room and Board On Site
20%
Family Support (if appropriate)
20%
Savings Account in the Worker’s Name
20%
Discretionary per the Employee
100%
Each employee leaves with more than they came with

MERIT PARTNERS SOLUTION

Merit Partners is different, and approaches each opportunity with the hopes of changing lives and giving hope to young people by showing they are capable of creating a positive impact in the world.

Merit Partners Believes In Second Chances

At Merit Partners, we believe in rehabilitation and instilling confidence in its employees, so when they are released, they are less likely to be incarcerated.

Employees are Hired

The incarcerated youth who work at Merit Partners must go through an application process similar to any other job employment process.  Many employees hired through Merit Partners have never held a job, so this is the first time to go through this process.

Merit Partners Pays Their Employees

Merit Partners pays its employees a fair market wage which then gets divided and given to victims restitution, room and board, and even a savings account.

Rebuilding and Selling Donated Recycled Electronics

Merit Partners is a completely self-sustaining social enterprise without cash donations or government grants.  And through Merit, corporate clients have the unique opportunity to be environmentally responsible while making a powerful change in troubled young lives.

 

.

CERTIFICATIONS & RECOGNITIONS

Kamala Harris
ABC 10

In 2015, California Senator, Kamala Harris awarded Merit Partners a “Smart on Crime” award for reducing recidivism!

Read More

ABC 10 News Station Recognizes Merit Partners for its work in Reducing Recidivism

Read More