What is the WAGEES Program?

The Work and Gain Education & Employment Skills (WAGEES) program was created to provide funding by the Colorado Department of Corrections (CDOC) and the Latino Coalition for Community Leadership (LCCL) to community-based organizations that support people returning from incarceration.  Latino Coalition for Community Leadership

The Empowerment Program, a WAGEES grant recipient, is a Denver-based nonprofit that removes barriers to health, housing, education, and employment so individuals can live a healthier life. Our goal is to decrease rates of recidivism by providing case management, support services, basic skills, education, housing, and resource coordination. The WAGEES program is for those who identify as female, trans or non-binary, as we lead with gender responsivity principles and trauma informed care as our basis of programming, recognizing the specific needs women and trans-identifying individuals may face in their re-entry journeys.

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Eligibility for WAGEES:

• Individuals on parole with Colorado Department of Corrections
• Individuals under Colorado Department of Corrections supervision at a community corrections facility
• Individuals released and discharged from a CDOC facility on a mandatory release date and that are not on parole, up to 1 year post-release

contact wagees staff to inquire about future community events

Comprehensive Care Management for Re-entry

You will work with a Care Manager to create individualized goal plan that addresses your specific re-entry needs. The Empowerment WAGEES Program also provides:

Supportive Services

• Transportation Assistance
• Work related Clothing/Tools Assistance
• Housing Financial Aid
• Career Training Financial Aid
• Identification Document Aid
• Basic Needs Financial Aid
  • Welcome Bag
• Lived Experience Peer Support through Kenekt
• Pro-social Experientials
• Transitional Housing - *Mariposa House
• Life skills, Substance Misuse, Trauma Groups

Incentive Milestones (earn money!):

•  Joining the Program
• ​Attending Behavioral Health treatment
• ​Gaining/maintaining Employment
• ​Completing Education/Career Training
• ​Graduating the WAGEES program

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Mariposa House:

Mariposa House is a transitional housing opportunity offered through The Empowerment WAGEES Program. This transitional housing is designed to be a stepping stone to self-sufficiency in your community.  If you are interested in applying for Mariposa House, please contact your WAGEES Care Manager for an application. If you are not enrolled with WAGEES yet, please email [email protected] to receive an application via email. Thank you!  

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COMMUNITY PARTNERS

​“The WAGEES Program is fully funded by HB14-1355, SB18-1176 and HB18-1176 through the Colorado Department of Corrections.”