OUR METHOD

Our method is a multi-disciplinary in-prison re-entry and post release approach which includes entrepreneurship training, education and mentorship aimed at supporting a successful transition to freedom.

The 5 month LEAP program is presented twice a year and the participants selected are approximately 9 to 12 months from exiting the prison gates. We have seen the many talents these women possess: Cassandra, a 32-year-old offender, has long dreamed of opening a bookstore/ cafe for young adults to offer an alternative to less desirable choices of entertainment. Gina, 42, creates hair accessories and Angela, 24, has beautiful calligraphy skills. What they don't know is how to leverage these talents, skills, and dreams into viable business plans. Women throughout the world are developing cottage industries. Why not here? Teaching them entrepreneurial skills through successful program is the best route to empower them for future success.

The LEAP in-prison re-entry program teaches participants (LEAPers) to develop small businesses (micro-enterprises) or become employable. For this reason, an entrepreneurship curriculum has been developed and is presented by Barry University Entrepreneurship Institute. Classes include Managing and Marketing of Business, Budgeting and Credit, Good Financial Record Keeping and Business Plan Preparation. The Barry University portion of the program culminates in the presentation of each LEAPers’ business plan to a panel of professors and professionals.

The LEAP in-prison re-entry program also addresses old violent mindsets and feelings of anger, low self-esteem, fear and doubt. The realities of re-establishing ex-offenders roles in society pose great challenges. Self-esteem, making good choices, and accessing resources are all part of the process of transformation. Relationship building classes, setting goals and decision-making skills are all important components of the learning experience.

Some LEAPers may choose self-employment or traditional employment upon release. The program prepares them to be more personally and financially competent as well as more valuable employees. This is accomplish through financial management, job readiness skills and training.

Upon successful completion of the 5 month LEAP program, the participants receive certificates from LEAP and Barry University.

Establishing a business or even finding a job is not enough. Some of our ladies may not have an idea of how to apply for a social security card or a driver's license. There are people and agencies that have the resources to help them, but most of the LEAP participants may not know who they are or how to reach them. Many are not even allowed to contact them before release. LEAP will be their "bridge" to offer assistance with this vital matter. We contact and network with other agencies that offer resources that our LEAPers will need upon their release such as clothing, housing, health and social services.

We go yet another step further by keeping in contact with the ladies whom we have taught in prison once they are released. Yes, we pick them up at the prison on their release day and escort them home. Yes, we continue to mentor them and show them a better way of living. We encourage them and remind them daily that they can make it. We show them that a productive and legal life is "doable." We also introduce them to women like them, ex-offenders who made it. And when the newly released LEAPers are in a better position, they will be asked to give back what they have been given: love, concern, encouragement, and a link to society, making positive contributions and impacting others to excel.

We believe that empowering inmates to strive for total life transformation is the answer to the ever-increasing problem of recidivism, as well as to greatly improving the welfare of ex-offenders and their dependents post release.