According to NRK Rogaland, Oddvar described the center as having saved him from drug abuse. Ingrid Neteland, the daily manager, said the center helps with issues like debt management and offers work training, social activities, and leisure programs. The majority of funding comes from private foundations, and the center also seeks to make its store, Røverkjøp, profitable. Neteland noted that helping one person into work can save society millions of kroner, and she hopes businesses will give more people a chance. Oddvar also hopes businesses will take a chance on former drug users.
Norwegian research from KRUS in 2024 shows that many former inmates lack income after serving their sentence. In 2021, only 4 out of 10 of those who served time the previous year had any income. Sandra, 25, who has been in prison, hopes to soon have a steady job. She currently receives work assessment allowance from Nav and uses the Røde Kors program, doing carpentry and working one day a week at Røverkjøp. According to NRK Rogaland, Sandra described that due to her mental health, she cannot hold a steady job, but the time at Røde Kors has changed her and made her stronger. Lill-Therese, a former convicted person who did not serve prison time, now works at a nursing home. Røde Kors assisted her in the recruitment process, and according to NRK Rogaland, she believes having someone advocate for her helped her get the job. She was open about her past drug addiction when applying. Torill Tverborgvik, an associate professor at KRUS and one of the researchers behind the report, believes the Røde Kors work can be very important.
It has saved me from the drug abuse. I have been given a huge chance here.
They will benefit greatly from getting a former drug user into work. We are incredibly grateful to be in work.
Because of my mental health, I can't have a steady job. I overwork myself for a period and then I can't show up. It can't be like that in a steady job. I use this program to get something similar to what I would get in a steady job.
I have become a significantly different person here over the last two years. I am stronger because I have received help here. I have proven to myself that I am capable of working.