Program goal

Community support will allow our clients to reconnect with the community and live in a safe, welcoming community.  Successful reintegration relies on a sense of belonging, trust, and connectedness with the community. 

 

Our goal is to establish a strong, supportive community that fosters belonging and reduces isolation. We aim to partner with local organizations, faith-based groups, and community centers to create welcoming spaces. 

 

We will develop peer-led support groups to share experiences and coping strategies. Our trained mentors who have successfully reintegrated to guide and inspire others will assist in our regular peer group meetings focusing on emotional, social, and practical support.

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iNTERVENTION

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We will focus on group therapy.  Our group therapy will be for six months, the therapy will allow our clients to express how they feel and share their lived experiences. Our peer support counselors will provide group therapy for our clients. so they can understand the role of community.

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On a need basis, we will provide individual mental health services to address trauma and emotional challenges. We will offer counseling and therapy tailored to the unique experiences of formerly incarcerated Black men. We will  incorporate culturally relevant practices to make services more accessible and relatable.

 

Culturally relevant services will celebrate and integrate African and African-American cultural heritage into our programs. We will use storytelling, drumming, or other African traditions as tools for healing and connection. Culturally centered program will consist of Black history, identity, and contributions to resilience and empowerment.

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As part of our intervention strategy, we will incorporate animal and natural therapy into our services. Men who seek therapy will be introduced to a holistic approach with animals and nature. Once a week, we will venture to a local horse farm and ride horses, feed horses, and conduct our therapy session. At the farm, we will sit with nature for a week to connect with the trees, water, and animals. This therapy aims to reduce stress through nature and re-connect with the earth.

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Staffing

Our peer-led facilitators will be Black men who were previously incarcerated. They will conduct group workshops on how to build trusting relationships and give back to the community. We will strive to make the men at the center true community ambassadors.

 

We encourage our clients to seek out one of our mentors who can provide guidance, encouragement, and practical advice. Mentors can be community leaders, program alumni, and professionals with lived experience.

 

Our peer groups foster a sense of belonging and reduce feelings of isolation. Program alums who lead our peer support groups offer a safe space to share experiences and strategies. We also encourage our clients to join our substance use support groups; this group will assist clients who are struggling with addiction or in recovery. The groups will meet weekly or bi-weekly for as long as needed.

 

Our peer-led community support program will foster a sense of belonging and reduce feelings of isolation. It aims to build mutual trust and solidarity, normalize challenges and successes in reintegration, and provide a consistent support network. We will engage in local community activities such as reading a book for kids, adopting a block, and volunteering at local nursing homes.

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If our clients seek mental health/ substance use counseling, our staff of three Black male licensed mental health/substance use counselors will be on site to facilitate individual sessions. Depending on the need, the sessions will last from six months to a year.