Project imPACT was a reentry program for adults with a history of justice system involvement and behavioral health needs in the City of Los Angeles. Its goals were to prioritize client-centered holistic programs and approaches, expand access to mental health and substance use disorder services, and reduce recidivism. This report presents findings related to individuals the program served between December 2022 and February 2026.

Evaluation of Cohort 3 of Project imPACT

A Reentry Program in Los Angeles

Stephanie Brooks Holliday, Katya Migacheva, Amy Goldman, Veronica Awan, Nicole Bracy

ResearchPublished Jun 17, 2026

Project imPACT was a reentry program for adults with a history of justice system involvement and behavioral health needs in the City of Los Angeles. The principal goals for the final program cohort were to prioritize client-centered holistic programs and approaches; to expand access to culturally congruent, quality mental health and substance use disorder services; and to reduce recidivism for participants.

This report presents findings related to individuals the program served between December 2022, when Cohort 3 began enrolling Fellows, and February 2026, when the program concluded. The process evaluation focused on the implementation of Project imPACT and examined the number and characteristics of Fellows who received services and completed the program, whether services were delivered with fidelity to program goals, implementation-related facilitators and barriers, and Fellows’ satisfaction with the program. The evaluation drew on quantitative data from providers, two rounds of interviews with providers serving each of the program sites, and interviews with 25 program Fellows and 18 program Alumni.

This evaluation found that the program successfully achieved its goals of prioritizing client-centered holistic programming, allowing flexibility in the delivery of services to meet clients where they were. The program successfully expanded access to culturally congruent, quality mental health and substance use disorder services, and the lived experience of the justice system among program leadership and staff was a key facilitator.

Key Takeaways

  • Fellows faced high barriers at enrollment, received varied services, and completed the program at high rates.
  • Fellows valued the multidisciplinary team approach despite service continuity challenges.
  • Housing instability and stigma experienced by Fellows, as well as budget challenges experienced by providers, hindered program delivery.
  • Wraparound services and staff with lived experience drove program success.
  • Services helped Fellows address reentry barriers.
  • Nearly one-half of Fellows gained employment, and many secured stable housing.
  • Less than one-third of Fellows were rearrested.

Recommendations

  • In establishing similar programs, ensure that the program structure is well-defined and clearly documented.
  • Establish partnerships and agreements across government agencies.
  • Provide wraparound services and ensure that they are easy to access.
  • Integrate the expertise of individuals with lived experience of the justice system and support their professional growth.
  • Address barriers to employment and prioritize comprehensive employment readiness before pursuing employment for individuals.
  • Offer a broader range of housing options and supports.
  • Elevate the visibility of the program.

Topics

Document Details

  • Copyright: City of Los Angeles, State of California
  • Publisher: RAND Corporation
  • Availability: Web-Only
  • Year: 2026
  • Pages: 87
  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.7249/RRA4794-1
  • Document Number: RR-A4794-1

Citation

Chicago Manual of Style

Holliday, Stephanie Brooks, Katya Migacheva, Amy Goldman, Veronica Awan, and Nicole Bracy, Evaluation of Cohort 3 of Project imPACT: A Reentry Program in Los Angeles. Santa Monica, CA: RAND Corporation, 2026. https://www.rand.org/pubs/research_reports/RRA4794-1.html.
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This research was sponsored by Los Angeles Mayor’s Office of Community Safety. This work was conducted in the Infrastructure and Justice Program of RAND Education, Employment, and Infrastructure.

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