A jail re-entry program through Catholic Charities helps clients enter society after being released from jail.

The program will help clients find a job, maintain physical and mental health and set goal, according to Catholic Charities of Arizona. But with the COVID-19 pandemic, programs in the jail re-entry program are struggling to support clients.

With a stay-at-home order in Arizona, it has been difficult for Catholic Charities to grant access for some programs to its clients, including recovery and counseling programs, especially with the charity limiting physical contact, according to Catholic Charities.

But Homeless Services Director Camie Rasband faced the challenge head on and developed internet services at shared living centers for clients to access their programs online, according to Catholic Charities.

Programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous among others are now being offered through Zoom for clients that depend on their programs.

“Relationships are always important, forming positive connections with our peers and clients is critical at any time. Bonds that have formed with peers in recovery programs or professionals in human services fields is strained due to the stay home orders,” Rasband told Catholic Charities. “However, our need to support one another by providing the tools necessary to continue building those relationships is just as important. Coming up with creative ways to do this through online services is just one way to keep those bonds strong and keep the connections that we all need.”

Now that clients have access to internet in group homes, they can also stay in contact with probation officers through email, according to Catholic Charities.