05/28/2018
ppl reintegration into society and to become productive citizens of their communities. C.O.R.I. is an intensive 12-month case management program that offers six core comprehensive services that the majority of formerly incarcerated clients need upon release. The primary core components include employment, housing, education, family reunification, health care, and spiritual guidance. The funding for this program will come from government, as well as donations from the public at large and does not require any direct funding from the participants to enroll. While the charity incorporated in 2016. Our goal is to begin offering programs in the winter of 2018 (pending available funds).
Over 2.2 million inmates are being released in America every year and 90% of them are returning into to their old neighborhoods. Illinois Department of Correction released over 40,000 inmates last year and 16,000 was release back into the Chicago-land area. The Englewood Community which is located on the south side of Chicago has one of the highest crime rates in the Chicago-land area and about 5% totaling approximately (800) client inmates was released back into the south side and far south side of Chicago. Our goal is to combat against this trend by providing ex-offenders a strong program that will address the common issues that lead to recidivism. This will help with uniting families, and ensure a safer and healthier place for future generations to live. We want to sow a seed of hope and recap a harvest of love!
ACE Foundation II, will offer transitional housing to all program participants to ensure that they have a safe sober living environment where people can continue their reintegration into society. All clients will receive conscientious, one-on-one, timely service from a Case Worker who will help them in all capacities, be they are transactions, conflicts, or complaints. The Case Worker will assist participants in enrolling in proper government health insurance programs. Participants will engage in weekly counseling sessions where we try to encourage them to have reunification with their family members providing spiritual guidance on the importance of compassion to their fellow man. Our facility will also have a twelve step program to help individuals become free of addictions. We will have the residents work with free local counselors and others that have been in our program or in similar programs. In this way, they can talk to people that have been in their situation and get advice on how to make it work. ACE Foundation II will also ensure that they can maintain their healthy habits after the original program that residents are required to attend. This is generally once week for six months to a year dependent on their needs.
ACE Foundation II’s initial facility will consist of (1) three-story six-bedroom and four-bathroom multi- units building for the men and (2) two- story six- bedroom with three-bathrooms multi- untits building for women. We will keep the kitchens stocked with basic groceries. In addition, ACE Foundation II will utilize the outdoor space of the facility to engage in a gardening program where we teach participants to, grow, maintain, and eat healthy fruits and vegetables themselves. We will have a common room on each floor. The 3rd floor and basement that will have computer access, job assistance meetings, and where the residents’ visitors are able to relax and commune. The facility will have a washer and dryer so residents can maintain clean clothing that is essential for employment. ACE Foundation II will also work with the Salvation Army and many other thrift or 2nd hand establishments to find appropriate work attire suitable for interviews. Our maximum capacity is 12 people at any point and time at both locations. In the future (2020+), our goal is to purchase a former school so that we can expand the program to a larger number of applicants.
ACE Foundation II will work with local businesses to help the individuals get jobs to begin the process of supporting themselves. This is one of the main functions of our program. ACE Foundation II will have a computer lab, available for all to use. Our computer lab will feature special classes, training individuals on important computer skills needed in the workplace three times a week. We will also offer classes on resume writing, public speaking, secretarial skills, how to speak on phones, time management, business education, how to dress for success, and on the job training. Individuals that currently do not have a high school diploma will be given GED training as well. In additions, we will provide transportation to interviews and work-sites. Our hope is that when they leave our facility they are able to be self-sufficient and support themselves.
Sowing a. Seed of HOPE and Recaping a Harvest of LOVE !
