Justice, Care and Opportunities Department Celebrates Grand Opening of Wellness Center for Justice-Involved Individuals in the Antelope Valley

LANCASTER – In celebration of Second Chance Month and National Reentry Week, the Justice, Care and Opportunities Department (JCOD) participated in the grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony today for Our Healing Space, a new wellness center designed by Paving the Way Foundation to support individuals impacted by the justice system.

JCOD Director Judge Songhai Armstead (ret.), Paving the Way Foundation Executive Director, Founder Janie Hodge and community leaders led the ribbon cutting to officially open the center.

“I am so thrilled to see this amazing facility open to the public and being able to serve those living in or near the Antelope Valley,” said JCOD Director Armstead. “This center embodies our mission to provide a holistic approach to rehabilitation by offering a range of services designed to heal and empower.”

Our Healing Space is located on 1729 W. Avenue J. in Lancaster and offers a variety of supportive services including therapy, community classes, gardening and additional programming aimed at helping justice-involved individuals.

“This wellness center is an incredible new asset for the Antelope Valley community and region,” said Supervisor Kathryn Barger, Fifth District. “I am a proud supporter of initiatives like this one that offer holistic help to individuals ready to rebuild their lives. Futures will be changed thanks to the supportive services and social connections offered at Our Healing Space.”

Paving the Way Foundation is a non-profit organization based in the Antelope Valley and assists individuals involved in the justice system with reentry services including employment, life skills training and housing services. The foundation also is a JCOD Reentry Intensive Case Management Services partner.

To learn more about JCOD and its programs and services, visit jcod.lacounty.gov.