It really is quite simple. Reachout America offers a reasonable alternative to jail or additional court proceedings, while simultaneously giving back to their community by helping a special needs child or camp in their area. Our program was developed, and has been welcomed, across the country by probation officers, judges, D.A., etc. because they understand the pragmatic difficulties of completing required hours (while still working and/or going to school) within the average non-profit’s schedule. Officials also realize that it is not prudent to incarcerate someone due to scheduling problems (not lack of willingness). As budget constraints are tightening, having a viable alternative to jail (at an average cost of $100/day to the taxpayer excluding any “medical” claims, averaging $40,000/incident) is prudent. Community service is a very cost effective alternative to jail. There is no cost associated with our program. There are many ways for the individuals to complete their community service from recycling old used cell phones and ink cartridges, to a car wash or collection container. For example: A decent person is involved in a non-violent offense and may be required to do 40 hours of community service in 4 months (they have a spouse, 2 kids and are going to school at night to better their life). In the first month, he calls the local charities and all he can find is a humane society offering hours between 3 pm and 5 pm on Wednesdays, but they are booked for a week. In the second and third months, he finds the same situation. He is very frustrated because, even though he is willing to clean poop, he cannot do enough of this by his deadline, and he may lose his job if he can’t find a place where he can do the hours on the weekend. He wants to find a productive way to help his community. He is now down to the last month to complete 40 hours. He is directed to or finds us. He can speedily place a couple of collection containers, hold two car washes, etc., to complete his hours on time. The best part of this is that the productive use of his required hours enables Reachout America to support a special needs camper or camp in his local area, anywhere in America. This decent person’s misfortune now leads to a smile on special child’s face – a truly productive and worthwhile service to his community.