"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction." Proverbs 1:7

Reintegrating into society after being incarcerated is a critical and challenging process for the inmate and their support network of family or friends.  The assumption of having a support network however is often wrong because many inmates leave prison with no one to call, nowhere to go and no realistic path to success after release.   To successfully transition back into society, the formerly incarcerated must acquire a range of essential life skills including budgeting, critical thinking, conflict resolution, patience and understanding long-term impacts of their day-to-day decision making.  These all play a pivotal role in empowering individuals to rebuild their lives, break the cycle of recidivism and become productive members of their communities.

Life skills are an important part of the equation for success after prison but there are also several other fundamental factors.  Individually each factor plays an important role and when combined greatly increases the chance of success.  Brand 316 is committed to assisting the formerly incarcerated with successful reentry into society through effective career and reintegration training.  Brand 316 is a Christian ministry and focuses on the personal, professional and spiritual development of the individual and we understand that one size does not fit all.  Every individual has different needs, experiences, strengths and weaknesses, history and struggles.

Brand 316 developed a specific and intense 52 week career and reintegration training program focused on the recently released.  We have programs for the currently incarcerated as well to better prepare them for release by helping identify their needs, training them and providing consistent support and communication.  The 52 week training program upon release focuses on developing life skills, accountability, successful reintegration tactics, career training, trauma counseling, mentorship, group discussions and much more.  This page is focused on the life skills portion of our training along with the reasoning we focus on these specific issues.

Life skills are an important part of becoming a productive member of society and giving yourself the best chance from the start for success.  The importance of practical skills has been realized by many high school districts that now require students to take classes focused on enhancing them.  When I graduated high school I thankfully had a well-rounded education and could easily write a creative essay on any subject, but I never was taught the concept of budgeting in school.  I was lucky enough to have parents that knew that practical skill was pivotal to my long term success so they taught me lessons on that, without me even knowing they were planting those seeds. 

There are several other real world examples but learning the basic life skills needed to survive and thrive in our society is crucial for the formerly incarcerated.  It is evident that a high majority of the incarcerated lack the basic life skills needed to be successful outside the prison walls.  This is one of the causes for such a high recidivism rate in the United States.  It is important to note that life skills and job skills are two completely different topics.  In many ways they share the same goals and one will help growth in the other area.  There are obvious life skills that are tied directly to job skills, like communication and time management.  Although they are similar and serve the same purpose it is important to teach them separately in the beginning so that the value created through the training can be directly tied to both personal and professional development independently. 

A great example would be conflict resolution.  When exiting prison you are immediately in a different world with a very different idea of how to resolve conflict.  Conflict in prison would almost always lead to violence in some kind.  That was acceptable, expected and the standard way many issues were resolved.  It is important to note that all conflict did not lead to fights, there were plenty of screaming matches, trash talk, face to face conversations that ended up being resolved through no future communication.  The norm in prison, be it fighting or zero future communication, was not effective and not acceptable for the recently released.  It then leads to how to deal with conflict outside the prison walls. 

As part of our life skill and job training program we address this specific issue early on and as separate entities.  This includes open discussions in a group environment, study guides to better understand societal norms and specific examples of situations that likely will occur in the very near future.  We have dozens of specific scenarios presented ranging from people cutting in line, accidentally bumping into you, cutting you off while driving, honking at you and even laughing near you.  All of these seemingly minor examples can quickly trigger past habits developed in prison. 

The easiest example for people that have not been in prison to understand is when someone looks at you in a way that may seem rude or stares at you a bit too long.  For someone that has been in prison, staring at someone or even in someone’s direction for a period of time can instantly be seen as disrespect and quickly lead to an altercation. In prison you are forced to be very cautious and aware of things like this.  There are literally hundreds of seemingly tiny actions like this which are the daily normal in prison and learning how to deal with these situations upon release is quite important.   This type of habit developed in prison covers both personal and professional life skills including communication, conflict resolution, emotional intelligence and self-discipline. 

The best way to communicate this specific habit in our program is by using two different scenarios spread across a few weeks.  The first scenario would involve more of a personal situation where you are eating at a restaurant and you find someone who appears to be staring at you.  Our program discusses the healthy thought process to quickly evaluate the situation knowing that the end result; no matter what, can not be confrontation.  Confrontation can be an instant prideful decision with serious long term consequences including being sent back directly to prison.  It is important to understand that in 99% of the situations the person staring at you has no idea what they are doing wrong or that it is agitating you.  They likely are simply daydreaming, watching the television directly behind you or looking for someone they are meeting.  There are also several professional instances where this exact same situation can take place.  Preparation involves not only reading about it but also openly discussing it so the mindset can slowly change and adapt. 

Several studies show that “that within 1 hour, learners forget an average of 50% of the information presented; within 24 hours, they forget an average of 70% of new information; and within a week, they forget up to 90% of what they "learned." The 52 week training program for the formerly incarcerated developed by Brand 316 is focused on training through several channels including class teaching, workbooks, real world scenarios, mentorship, counseling and open group discussions.  Importantly, several parts of the program are repeated throughout the year using different scenarios for the same lesson.  Retention is shown to heavily increase to 90% when the lessons learned are immediately put into practice or when the student teaches the tactics themselves.  This is why our group sessions and discussions are pivotal. 

Below you will find some of the life skills that we specifically target during our training but by no means is this list exhaustive.  As mentioned before, it is important to look at every person individually throughout the training process because we all have our own strengths and weaknesses.   As a Christian ministry, we also find several applicable biblical teachings that further help equip members of Brand 316 through our weekly Bible studies and fellowship times.  We know that lives can change through education and awareness and believe that focusing on the essential life skills needed to survive and thrive in our society is a valuable investment of time and resources. 

One of the fundamental life skills that the formerly incarcerated need to develop is financial literacy and budgeting. Many individuals leave prison with limited resources and face the challenge of rebuilding their lives from scratch. By acquiring financial literacy skills, they can effectively manage their money, create realistic budgets, and make informed financial decisions. These skills enable them to secure stable housing, cover essential expenses, and avoid falling into cycles of debt and poverty. Moreover, mastering budgeting helps individuals develop discipline, resilience, and accountability, fostering a sense of self-sufficiency and reducing the likelihood of engaging in criminal activities to make ends meet.  Most people living in our society and succeeding have a general idea of budgeting, including how to make one and how to stick to it. This is not true for many of the formerly incarcerated and usually one of the easiest lessons to teach.  Using the knowledge developed in prison is useful for this specific scenario.  Every week in prison you have to purchase commissary and most of the inmates have a limited budget that they have to differentiate between their needs and their wants. The process can be painstaking because of the limited amount of mathematical education however, what took three hours the first time takes only 15 minutes a year later.  Many of those serving time are already creating budgets on a weekly basis, but just don’t realize they are budgets.  This is a tiny example of course but an easy way to show how habits developed in prison can be beneficial upon release.  It is important for the first financial lesson to take place immediately after release and prior to them getting their first paycheck.  We teach financial literacy, financial lessons, budgeting and several other financial habits in the 52 week training program.

Developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills is necessary for the formerly incarcerated as they navigate the complexities of life outside prison walls. These skills enable individuals to assess situations objectively, evaluate potential risks and benefits, and make informed decisions. Critical thinking empowers individuals to identify and challenge negative thought patterns and impulsive behaviors that may have contributed to their incarceration. By thinking critically, they can develop effective strategies for conflict resolution, seek lawful and constructive solutions, and avoid falling back into criminal behavior.  Like every section of life skills, we emphasize the use of critical thinking and problem solving skills for real world personal and professional use through repetitive lessons throughout the 52 week program.

Moreover, critical thinking and problem-solving skills provide the formerly incarcerated with the ability to adapt to the ever-changing circumstances they encounter in their reentry into society. Life outside prison walls presents a myriad of challenges, ranging from finding stable employment to mending relationships and rebuilding their lives. By preparing their critical thinking skills, individuals can analyze complex situations, consider multiple perspectives, and devise creative solutions to overcome obstacles.

Developing critical thinking skills also fosters self-awareness and self-reflection among the formerly incarcerated. Through self-examination with our training and group discussions, they can recognize and address the root causes of their past actions, leading to personal growth and positive behavioral changes. By understanding the consequences of impulsive decisions and recognizing negative thought patterns, individuals can develop healthier coping mechanisms and adopt constructive approaches to problem-solving.

It equips the formerly incarcerated with the ability to assess situations objectively, evaluate the potential risks and benefits of their actions, and make informed choices that align with societal norms and legal boundaries. By engaging in critical thinking, individuals can better understand the long-term consequences of their decisions and actions, enabling them to avoid behaviors that may lead them down a path of recidivism.

Ultimately, the development of critical thinking and problem-solving skills empowers the formerly incarcerated to take control of their lives and shape a positive future. The ability to think critically enhances their overall well-being, resilience, and prospects for successful reintegration, fostering a sense of hope, purpose, and empowerment that is crucial for their successful transition back into society. 

Effective communication and interpersonal skills are essential for successful reentry and social integration. The ability to express oneself clearly, actively listen, and navigate diverse social interactions helps individuals develop meaningful relationships, access support networks, and increase their odds of securing stable employment. In prison, communication is constant due to the constant presence of others, but the nature of communication within prison walls differs significantly from that of the outside world. Open communication with others on a personal and professional level is critical to the long term stability of anyone in our society.  Practicing and being trained in communication and interpersonal skills is essential to reintegrating back into society and long term success.

Within the confined environment of a correctional facility, communication often revolves around survival, maintaining superficial relationships, asserting power dynamics, and maintaining personal safety. However, outside the prison wall, open and effective communication is a key factor in establishing trust, resolving conflicts, and building positive connections. The formerly incarcerated must adapt their communication skills to align with the expectations and norms of the world outside prison. 

Practicing and receiving training in communication and interpersonal skills is vital to the successful reintegration of individuals into society and their long-term stability. Through communication training, the formerly incarcerated can learn to articulate their thoughts and emotions in a constructive and respectful manner. They can develop the ability to actively listen to others, empathize with diverse perspectives, and effectively convey their own needs and aspirations. These skills not only facilitate positive interactions with employers, colleagues, and community members but also aid in navigating challenges and accessing necessary support services.  This is one reason group discussions are so effective because it requires open communication including sharing thoughts but also actively listening to others.

Furthermore, communication skills play a pivotal role in securing stable employment. Employers value individuals who can articulate their qualifications, work collaboratively with others, and demonstrate effective problem-solving through clear communication. By honing their communication skills, the formerly incarcerated can enhance their employability, strengthen their job prospects, and demonstrate their commitment to personal and professional growth. We also have found it important to with this process to detail acceptable and unacceptable conversations because commonalities in prison are sometimes not acceptable in the workplace.  It seems like common sense but if you have created certain conversational habits over an extended period of time it is more difficult to break those linguistic habits than most think.   

Additionally, effective communication is a cornerstone of building and maintaining healthy relationships. By developing interpersonal skills, they can establish positive connections with family, friends, and mentors who provide emotional support, guidance, and encouragement during the reentry process. Strong interpersonal communication skills enable individuals to express their needs, resolve conflicts amicably, and forge mutually beneficial connections, all of which are crucial in establishing a stable and supportive social network. 

Communication and interpersonal skills are indispensable for the successful reintegration of the formerly incarcerated into society. By adapting their communication styles to align with societal expectations, practicing active listening, and expressing themselves effectively, individuals can overcome barriers, develop positive relationships, access vital resources, and increase their chances of long-term success and stability outside of prison walls. 

The importance of setting realistic goals for the formerly incarcerated cannot be overstated. This includes establishing goals that are achievable both in their personal and professional lives. In prison, it is common to hear individuals discussing their release plans, with aspirations ranging from immediately securing a high-paying job to starting their own successful business. While these long-term goals are admirable, our training program emphasizes the understanding that success is a process that involves taking several small steps.  This is true for someone just out of college or just out of prison.  Success takes time!

It is not impossible for someone who has been incarcerated to obtain a well-paying job or establish a thriving business. However, it is important to recognize that immediate achievement of these goals immediately after release is uncommon. Setting realistic goals allows individuals to avoid the trap of unrealistic expectations and helps them maintain a sense of hope and motivation as they navigate the challenges of reentry into society.

Our training program focuses on educating and empowering the formerly incarcerated to set achievable goals for the first few months, followed by a year and beyond. By breaking down large goals into smaller, manageable objectives, individuals can track their progress and celebrate milestones along the way. This approach cultivates a sense of accomplishment and builds confidence, which is crucial for long-term success.

Furthermore, setting realistic goals assists in avoiding feelings of hopelessness that can arise when predetermined objectives are not immediately met. Anyone that has been in prison and released fully understands all of the odds that are against them and hopelessness is a key issue we all face.  Rapid disappointment can be detrimental, especially for individuals who are readjusting to life outside of prison. By establishing smaller, attainable goals, individuals can maintain a positive mindset and remain motivated despite potential setbacks. This fosters resilience and enables them to persevere through challenges, ultimately increasing their chances of achieving long-term stability and personal growth.

Additionally, setting realistic goals promotes a sense of accountability and self-discipline. By creating a roadmap of achievable objectives, individuals are encouraged to take ownership of their progress and make conscious efforts towards their desired outcomes. This instills a sense of responsibility and empowers them to actively engage in actions that contribute to their success.  By focusing on achievable objectives and breaking larger aspirations into smaller, manageable steps, they can maintain hope, celebrate progress, and avoid feelings of hopelessness. This approach fosters resilience, self-discipline, and a positive mindset, enhancing their prospects for long-term success, personal achievement, and a successful transition to a meaningful life beyond their prison experience. 

The effective management of time plays a significant role in the success of the formerly incarcerated, both personally and professionally, and can be the difference between maintaining employment and losing jobs, as well as sustaining respectful and healthy relationships. Time management becomes ingrained in the minds of inmates due to the strict schedules enforced within prison walls.

In prison, the consequences of mismanaging time are immediate and tangible. If inmates are late for meals, they risk going hungry. Failure to be present for counts or lockdowns results in swift punishment. In this structured environment, inmates wake up at 6 AM and lights are out at 10:00 PM. As a result, many formerly incarcerated individuals already possess a foundation in time management upon release, making it a seemingly simple concept to continue practicing.

However, one of the challenges faced by the formerly incarcerated is the allure of newfound freedom. With freedom comes the temptation to abandon the disciplined habits developed in prison. It becomes easy to stay up late without reason, sleep in, and disregard the time management skills honed during their incarceration. Maintaining the time management habits developed in prison is crucial for successful reentry. By adhering to structured routines, individuals can effectively allocate their time to various responsibilities, such as work, family, personal development, and community engagement.

Consistent and disciplined time management enables them to meet deadlines, honor commitments, and complete obligations, which are essential for maintaining employment, building trust, and fostering positive relationships.  It also encourages the formerly incarcerated to maximize their productivity and make the most of their opportunities. By organizing their time efficiently, they can prioritize tasks, set achievable goals, and avoid procrastination. It helps prevent feelings of being overwhelmed and promotes a sense of control and accomplishment.

Successful time management aids in the cultivation of self-discipline and self-accountability. The ability to effectively manage one's time requires a commitment to making conscious choices, resisting distractions, and maintaining a strong work ethic. By embracing these qualities, the formerly incarcerated can demonstrate their reliability and dedication, positioning them for personal and professional growth.

By maintaining the time management habits developed in prison, individuals can capitalize on the structure and discipline instilled during their incarceration. 

Consistent time management facilitates successful reentry by enabling individuals to meet obligations, make progress towards their goals, and demonstrate reliability and self-discipline. By embracing the value of time and maintaining a proactive approach, our members can maximize their opportunities and lay the foundation for a fulfilling and successful life beyond their prison experience. 

In addition to the previously mentioned skills, our comprehensive 52-week reintegration and career training program focuses on equipping the formerly incarcerated with a wide range of life skills essential for success in life beyond the prison walls. While there isn't a singular skill that is deemed the most important, we believe that a steady combination of various life skills, real-world examples, and group discussions is vital for their successful reintegration.

Throughout the 52-week program, we dedicate significant time, effort, and thought to training members of Brand 316 for success. We have provided detailed explanations of five key skills above to illustrate the depth and breadth of our training approach. However, the list of valuable life skills we address extends beyond those examples.

Here are a few additional life skills that we prioritize, in much less detail than above:

Self-Discipline: Developing self-discipline enables individuals to overcome challenges, resist temptations, and stay committed to their goals. It fosters a strong work ethic, personal responsibility, and the ability to make choices aligned with long-term success.

Patience: Cultivating patience is crucial in navigating the ups and downs of life after incarceration. It allows individuals to persevere through setbacks, maintain a positive mindset, and understand that success often takes time and persistence.

Thinking Long-term: Encouraging long-term thinking helps the formerly incarcerated shift their focus from immediate gratification to considering the consequences of their actions on their future. It enables them to make informed decisions and prioritize actions that contribute to their long-term well-being.

Empathy: Developing empathy fosters understanding, compassion, and the ability to relate to others' experiences. By practicing empathy, individuals can build healthy relationships, navigate conflicts, and contribute positively to their communities.

Coping with stress and the unexpected in life: Equipping individuals with coping mechanisms to handle stress and unexpected challenges is crucial for resilience and maintaining emotional well-being. By developing healthy strategies for managing stress, individuals can effectively adapt to life's uncertainties without resorting to negative behaviors.

Managing emotions: Learning to recognize, understand, and manage emotions is a fundamental skill for the formerly incarcerated. It enables individuals to respond appropriately to different situations, regulate their emotions, and make informed decisions rather than reacting impulsively.

Learning to focus on the future and not the past: Shifting the focus from dwelling on past mistakes to embracing the possibilities of the future is crucial for personal growth and moving forward. By letting go of negative patterns and adopting a forward-thinking mindset, members of Brand 316 can seize opportunities and create positive change.

Redeveloping relationships: Rebuilding and nurturing healthy relationships is an essential aspect of successful reintegration. Our program emphasizes the importance of effective communication, trust-building, and resolving conflicts to foster positive connections with family, friends, mentors, and the broader community.

Our Christ-centered 52-week reintegration and career training program is designed to address a comprehensive set of life skills necessary for the formerly incarcerated to thrive outside prison walls. By focusing on a combination of skills, providing real-world examples, and encouraging group discussions, we prepare individuals for the challenges and opportunities they will encounter. By empowering them with a diverse range of life skills, we aim to enhance their personal growth, increase their employability, strengthen their relationships, and support their long-term success in society.