(KRON) – The San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office announced its program designed to reduce relapse of criminal behavior and create successful paths forward for incarcerated individuals upon being released.  The “extensive programming” was launched at the Maple Street Correctional Center. The sheriff’s office said a dozen women received certificates of completion of the program.  San Mateo County Sheriff Christina Corpus personally handed the certificates to the graduates. Corpus referred to the program as “life-changing” for women” and said the program provided “a safe space for acceptance and healing.” Image provided by the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office SF mayor reveals reimagined Embarcadero Plaza in new renderings Corpus said the program is “paving the path to rebuilding the lives of incarcerated women so they can be successful upon release.” “I felt wanted here. Like I belonged,” said one of the unnamed graduates. “As an older woman, I was reminded that I still have tools to give and that I can change. I felt safe and that was very important to me.” Self-awareness, self-appreciation and acceptance, self-authority and self-empowerment are all topics in the four 75-minute classes.  According to the SMCSO, this program will be available quarterly.