The Sheriff Anti-Violence Effort (SAVE) program supports individuals in county jail or facing minor charges who are preparing to reenter society. Case managers, like Ignacio Rosario from SWOP's CP4P team, volunteer to meet with these individuals, encouraging them to envision a positive future. The goal is to help participants recognize they can find employment, pursue education, and build better lives for themselves and their families. Rosario emphasizes that many of these individuals aren't inherently bad; some carry weapons because they feel they need to protect themselves. The SAVE program helps them see there are better alternatives.
Upon release, Rosario greets participants, completes an intake form to assess their needs, and helps them stay on track with court dates and other responsibilities. He introduces them to CP4P staff, offering realistic support without making false promises. Rosario believes it's important to ensure participants feel supported as they navigate their path outside of jail.
“We try to get them to that point where they realize that they need things in life like a car, a job, and ensuring their family is cared for,” Rosario explains.
He feels the program is essential because many participants have already been in jail once or twice and are at risk of returning. "They may feel the need to carry for their own safety, and that’s the reality of some of these neighborhoods," Rosario explains. "This program offers assistance they may not get anywhere else."
Currently, Rosario works with 11 SAVE participants, checking in with them four times a month. He stresses the need for patience. "Some of these guys you have to be patient and work hard to make sure they continue to do right by themselves and their families," he says.
Rosario advises those interested in anti-violence work to be prepared for the challenges. “Know that this is what you want to do. You can’t want to do anti-violence work without being willing to meet with people who have experienced a lot of violence. Study it, learn about it, and know what you are walking into. That’s why a lot of guys who do this work have experience with what happens in the streets. You will meet so many different people in this line of work, and they are people just like you and me, but they’ve been through a lot. You need to have a heart for social work.”
Reflecting on his work, Rosario shares, “This is needed in our community. Even if you reduce violence by just 5%, that’s still 5% of lives potentially saved. Sometimes all it takes is being there for someone having a bad day. In our job, you have to care, or it’s pointless.”
