PROGRAMS TO FIGHT RECIDIVISM
HOW WE HELP
OUR PROGRAMS AND SERVICES
HOW WE FIGHT RECIDIVISM
To eliminate the chances of an returning citizen to recommit a crime and subsequently reenter the prison system is why Changing Perceptions is deliberate in the supportive programs and environment it offers.
According to the National Institute of Justice, almost 44% of individuals released from prison return before the end of their first year. At the conclusion of a three-year period, the Virginia Department of Corrections reported a 23.1% recidivism rate, while Maryland reported a 40.5% rate (World Population Review).
Since its inception, we have maintained a 0% recidivism rate with our participants. Thanks to partnerships with the Department of Social Services at Gallaudet University and a generous grant by the District of Columbia Office of Victim Services and Justice Grants, the barriers which traditionally confront and frustrate reentrants are navigated carefully. Additionally, Changing Perceptions is engaging with other organizations who also believe that recidivism’s cost to society is much higher and wish to target- invest in programs that work.
Changing Perceptions will be engaging with national organizations that specialize in tracking, monitoring and funding programs to address the correlating factors which contribute to this systemic issue.
Recidivism is costly to individuals, families, and communities, effectively reducing the chance for our society to evolve into its most optimal position for productivity.
INFORMATION
download/print our brochure
IN MOTION
current programs
MENTORSHIP
IRAA Peer Mentorship Program
Changing Perceptions implements the IRAA Peer Mentorship Program through a recurrent grant awarded to Gallaudet University by the DC Office of Victim Services and Justice Grants.
This grant allows us to provide supervised social work peer mentoring and case planning support to individuals recently released from prison thanks to the Incarceration Reduction Amendment Act of 2015 (IRAA).
Reentry Initial Support: Welcome Home Program
Upon release, each client receives a personalized case plan as designed by the Gallaudet University School of Social Work. The plan is tailored to the needs of the participant and creates a partnership between the IRAA participant, the peer mentor, and the licensed social worker.
At this stage, Changing Perceptions offers in-depth Interpersonal Development Services.
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
Bridging the Gap PROGRAM
Upon successful completion of the Welcome Home Program, our IRAA participants have the option to begin the path to earning a living by engaging in a our supportive employment program in partnership with DC-based businesses.
Two 8-hour shifts/week of regular work in:
Landscaping
General contracting
Inventory management
One 4-hour mentoring session / week learning:
Work preparedness
Civil skills
Resume writing
These basic professional behaviors, habits, and skills are successfully implemented before finding employment elsewhere.
workforce development
Launching pad program
Phase 2 of our workforce development series, the Launching Pad Program is a long-term job placement initiative in partnership with local businesses.
business development
business development programs
“We foster enfranchisement through business ownership for the returning citizens community.”
Creating learning opportunities about starting a business and entrepreneurship for our participants will yield a great return on investment. Our business development programs include:
Entrepreneurial Skills
Financial Literacy
Startup Planning
COVID 19-related training leading to employment
community
community building initiatives
Community building initiatives designed to expedite the reintegration of our participants. These activities are inclusive of our participants, families, friends, volunteers and others in the community
Pancake Saturdays – Monthly opportunity for the Changing Perceptions team and friends/stakeholders to come together and share goals and achievements with the broader community.
Tuesday Night Dinner – Monthly opportunity for mentors, mentees, Changing Perceptions staff and invited speakers to come together, touch base and support each other.
Green Thumb Initiative – Focused on community gardening, planting and assisting with neighborhood-driven beautification projects.
Operation Clean Sweep – Monthly gathering of participants who will assist with neighborhood cleanup efforts or clear a designated plot of land to erect a park, garden or playground.
Volunteering – Our participants are ready and willing to offer a hand wherever they are needed.
