Northern California Service League

The Northern California Service League's (NCSL) mission is to create safer, healthier communities by helping offenders and the formerly incarcerated become responsible and contributing members of society.

How do you help people in my community?

As mentioned above, the mission statement of the Northern California Service League is to reduce crime through programs which help offenders and ex-offenders become responsible citizens.  Every community has ex-offenders.  Every community gains when this segment of our population does NOT return to jail or prison and they become responsible, tax-paying citizens.  Statistics show that an employed ex-offender is three times less likely to re-offend.  This reduces crime in your community.  A reduction in crime frees much needed tax revenue to be used for other community needs such as improvement in infrastructure, healthcare issues, education and schools.  Hiring the ex-offender is key to reduction in crime.

Statistics say that in the United States, there is one lawyer for every 275 people.  Whether it is a criminal case or a civil case, people are having to go to court.  Some are plaintiffs and some are defendants.  Some are providing testimony.  Some are serving on juries.  Our Children’s Waiting Rooms provide a safe place for all people to leave their children, at no cost, when they have business before the courts.

Why do you need my support?

The Northern California Service League is a community-based organization.  All monies received by us is given back to the community through the services.  Most of our income is used for personnel in order to provide our many programs and services.  Most of our office equipment is purchased with the lowest cost in mind.  NCSL has an extensive volunteer and intern program to reduce labor costs.  NCSL does NOT have any large benefactors.  All of our donor’s gifts are appreciated, equally, because we KNOW that without all donations, we would not be able to provide all the services we have. 

It would be unrealistic to believe that we would have a society where crime did not exist.  Or one where one person would not have a disagreement with another.  But the Northern California Service League believes in doing all it can to reduce crime through the programs it offers.  And when people have business before the courts, we want to provide a place for people to leave their children so that their full attention can be given to taking care of that business.  We know of no other program that provides services as extensive as the Northern California Service League.  By rehabilitating ex-offenders, we work to lower crime, making our communities safer and healthier.

How can I be sure that you will use my money wisely and won't waste it?

Our staff is paid reasonable salaries but not exorbitant ones.  We use an intern and volunteer program that allows us to provide many services that could not, otherwise, be provided.  We purchase necessary equipment that is cost effective and not extravagant.  We prepare an Annual Report that demonstrates NCSL accomplishments each year for anyone to see.  We have an independent audit each year to insure that all money is accounted for with oversight by a Board of Directors that are not paid to serve.

Can I Volunteer? How?

Yes !  As mentioned in the description of our Pre-Release program, NCSL has a very extensive volunteer and intern program.  Most of our volunteers and interns are involved in this program as part of furthering their education goals and experiencing, first-hand, what it is like to work in the criminal justice field.  But, all of NCSL’s programs welcome volunteers.  We currently have some that volunteer in our Children’s Waiting Rooms assisting in the care of the children that come there every day.  We have some that offer clerical assistance at our post-release programs.  We’ve had volunteers at our Cameo Transitional program.  There are many areas to volunteer at the Northern California Service League.  Just let us know your interests, skills and experience and we will utilize your skills to the fullest.