Mission

Walden House is a nonprofit substance use disorder treatment agency providing services throughout California. Under the Walden umbrella, PROSPER is building a strength-based peer-to-peer recovery community in Los Angeles among men and women reentering the community from prison, as well as their families.

Drop-in Center

Located in downtown Los Angeles, the PROSPER drop-in center provides peer-to-peer reentry and social support opportunities for ex-offenders and their families. Ex-offenders are encouraged to come directly to the drop-in center following release from prison. Peer leaders work with each incoming peer to develop an individualized recovery and reentry plan. The center is open until 9:00 p.m. so that peers can drop by after work.

Resource Connection

The center also houses a Resource Center designed to offer its members access to vocational and housing placements and other ancillary services vital to persons in recovery who are reentering the community.

Instrumental Supports for Employment

PROSPER offers its members access to fax machines, e-mail, and a telephone to receive calls from prospective employers, assistance with resume development, and clothing vouchers. In addition, it connects its members with agencies throughout Los Angeles that offer jobs to ex-offenders.

Workshops, Support Groups and Wellness Activities

The PROSPER center offers a number of resources including educational seminars on relapse prevention, money management, career planning, and creative art classes. Many, although not all, of the classes are peer-led. The center also hosts an active peer-led support group called “Be Real With Self” which promotes socialization and provides mutual support and a women’s support group. PROSPER sponsors a softball team and has a weekly yoga class.

Family Socialization Events

Every Friday night is “Kick-It-Night” at the PROSPER drop-in center. Families come together to watch videos, eat popcorn, and play board games. These weekly gatherings are highly valued by PROSPER peers and provide a good opportunity for building social skills, strengthening families, and creating a sense of shared community.

Peer Leader Steering Committee

A Peer Leader Steering Committee guides the development and implementation of all services.