Rebuilding Lives Initiative – Two-Site Model (Copy)

August 25, 2025

Rebuilding Lives Initiative – Two-Site Model

Merced (Pilot) → Modesto (Expansion)

Feature

Merced Site (Pilot)

Modesto Site (Expansion, Year 2)

Fusion Café (Fusion Meals)

Paid workforce training café; meals served as part of hands-on training in hospitality, customer service, and civic advocacy.

Replicates Merced model with additional Stanislaus-specific workforce and reentry partnerships.

Hands Up Outreach Center

Gateway hub for housing navigation, job coaching, and service access; connects quickly into Restore/CHSS/CHS wraparound.

Gateway hub tailored to Stanislaus; aligns with Community System of Care and county workforce board priorities.

Educational Integration

Monthly advocacy workshops, online course, and Finding a Place in the Sun educational game.

Full integration of advocacy curriculum and digital tools; potential partnership with Stanislaus 2030 youth programs.

Targets (3-Year)

500 served; 50 trained; 1,000 engaged.

500 served; 50 trained; 1,000 engaged.

Launch Timeline

2025: Community workshops → Hands Up → Fusion Café → Game release.

2026: Workshops → Hands Up → Fusion Café; modeled after Merced’s timeline but faster due to lessons learned.

Community Role

First site, proving concept and building cross-sector partnerships.

Expansion site, doubling regional impact and creating a Central Valley advocacy/workforce corridor.