"All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness." Hebrews 12:11

The process of reintegration involves addressing a range of factors, including employment, housing, education, transportation, family and social relationships, mental health, spiritual well being, breaking old habits, changing the mindset and substance abuse. At Brand 316, we are focused on providing the proper training and support to give our members every single opportunity to succeed after prison.   This includes group training, open discussions, situational examples, individual education, career training, life skills training and more. 

All segments of the training individually are valuable but combined produce a person ready to tackle the daily struggles of living a productive life outside of prison.  We have already discussed in detail our life skills training and career training programs – this section focuses more on the specific reintegration training that members of Brand 316 are provided.  Again, it is vital to note that throughout the 52 week program we are focused on creating a well versed person in all aspects of becoming a productive citizen.  All segments of our training focus on our members becoming self-sustaining with a deep focus on realistic long term success. 

Our reintegration training focuses on social reintegration, spiritual reintegration, economic reintegration, psychological reintegration, legal reintegration and practical aspects reintegration.  We will discuss those in more detail below. 

Social reintegration is a vital aspect of successful reintegration for the formerly incarcerated, as it helps them rebuild positive relationships and establish a supportive network within their communities. By addressing social reintegration, we aim to reduce isolation and create an environment that fosters personal growth and stability. Through group training and open discussions, our program provides a platform for individuals to share their experiences, challenges, and successes, while also learning from others who have gone through similar journeys. This sense of community and belonging is essential for building a support system that can assist with various aspects of life, including emotional support, mentorship, and guidance. 

An example that highlights the effectiveness of social reintegration is the transformation of communication skills. In prison, meaningful conversations are often limited due to the inherent distrust and hustle mentality that permeates the environment. Inmates understand that vulnerability can be perceived as a weakness and may be exploited. However, upon release, society expects individuals to quickly change their mindset and be able to engage in open and honest communication. This shift in communication style requires developing the ability to discuss feelings, express needs, and articulate thoughts clearly.

Through our social reintegration training, members learn the importance of healthy relationships and the development of a new social circle. We emphasize the significance of building connections based on trust, respect, and positive values. By providing guidance on effective communication techniques and encouraging vulnerability, our program helps individuals transition from the guarded mindset of prison to one that embraces meaningful connections. 

For instance, our training sessions include workshops on active listening, conflict resolution, biblical principles and assertive communication. Role-playing exercises simulate real-life situations, allowing participants to practice effective communication strategies in a safe and supportive environment. These activities help individuals develop the skills and confidence needed to engage in productive conversations and establish healthy relationships outside of prison.

By focusing on social reintegration, they not only enhance their communication skills but also cultivate a mindset that values personal growth and long-term success. They begin to understand that vulnerability and open communication are crucial components of growth and establishing positive connections which is reinforced throughout the 52-week training program. 

Through the support and guidance provided in our program, individuals can develop the necessary social skills to navigate various social settings and build a strong support system, ultimately contributing to their successful reintegration into society.  These skills not only aid in successful reintegration but also contribute to long-term personal growth and overall well-being. 

At Brand 316, our Christian ministry recognizes the transformative power of the Bible as a guiding principle for life. Embracing the understanding that "all fall short of the Glory of God" and acknowledging our shared humanity as sinners, we believe in the redemptive message of Jesus Christ, who offers second chances to all who seek them.

Central to our ministry is the concept of acceptance and forgiveness. We strive to create an environment where members of Brand 316 truly grasp that they are accepted, not only by our ministry but also by God. Through fostering strong relationships with various Christian churches in our community, we aim to provide the necessary support and resources for successful reintegration into society. These churches share our mission and are eager to extend a helping hand to the formerly incarcerated, aiding them in rebuilding their lives and finding acceptance within the community.

Our focus on spiritual reintegration also entails cultivating a deep relationship with Christ. We encourage regular group activities such as weekly Bible studies, where individuals engage with scripture, share their experiences, and gain insights into how to align their lives with Christ's teachings. By delving into the Word of God together, we provide a space for personal growth, healing, and the development of a strong spiritual foundation. Additionally, we encourage attendance at church services on Sundays, offering opportunities for communal worship, fellowship, and connection with other believers. By forging these connections, individuals can find mentors, friends, and a network of people who genuinely care about their well-being and are willing to walk alongside them on their journey to reintegration.

We are a Christian ministry and believe that the Bible should serve as a guide on how to live our lives.  We believe that “all fall short of the Glory of God” and that we are all sinners – we also believe we serve a God of second chances as shown through Jesus Christ.  It is important for members of Brand 316 to understand that they are accepted and forgiven through Christ.  Our program focuses on living a life that honors God in all we do.  This includes our daily decisions, actions, our work ethic and who we associate with. 

Economic reintegration is a critical aspect of our program, aiming to provide the formerly incarcerated with the tools and resources needed to secure stable employment and achieve financial independence. By addressing the economic challenges they may face, we help break the cycle of recidivism caused by financial struggles.  We have very tailored career training focused on the individual because we understand that one person’s ideal job could be a nightmare for another person.  One of the first steps we take are individual assessment and aptitude tests in order to help the member better understand their strengths and weaknesses.  Every single week we go over financial literacy concepts ranging from budgeting to taxes – and everything in between.  We have thankfully partnered with several local companies and professionals willing to donate time to assist as well.  The same is true for education of members of Brand 316, our strategic partnerships on top of our 52-week training allow many of members to secure degrees, industry certificates and trades.   Below you will find some additional information specific within our program.

Financial Management and Budgeting: Financial stability is crucial for successful reintegration. We provide practical guidance on financial management, budgeting, and accessing community resources that can support individuals in maintaining their financial independence. Workshops and educational sessions cover topics such as creating a budget, managing debt, and saving for the future. By imparting financial literacy skills, we empower individuals to make informed decisions and build a solid financial foundation.  Our first financial lesson of the 52-week program discusses the importance of what they do with that first paycheck and upon graduation ideally they will have savings and a much stronger foundation of making wise financial decisions. 

Individual Education: We offer individualized education sessions that focus on equipping participants with the skills necessary to succeed in the job market. These sessions may include resume writing workshops, interview preparation, and job search strategies. By tailoring the education to each individual's needs and goals, we empower them with the knowledge and confidence to pursue employment opportunities effectively.

Career Training: Our program includes career training that focuses on developing job readiness skills specific to various industries. Participants may receive vocational training in areas such as construction, culinary arts, information technology, digital production and entrepreneurship. This hands-on training equips individuals with industry-specific skills, increasing their employability and providing them with a pathway to a sustainable career. Members of Brand 316 are also given a job immediately upon release from prison allowing them to become self-sustaining much sooner and also learn real world skills immediately.  This is also important for maintaining a strict schedule so that the time management skills learned in prison are continued after release. 

Job Placement Partnerships: We collaborate with local businesses and organizations to provide job placement services. Through these partnerships, we connect participants with employment opportunities that align with their skills and interests. By assisting with job placement, we bridge the gap between individuals seeking employment and employers looking for qualified candidates.

Accessing Community Resources: We assist participants in accessing community resources that can contribute to their economic reintegration. This may involve connecting them with organizations that provide housing assistance, transportation services, or financial aid programs. By facilitating access to these resources, we help individuals overcome potential barriers to their economic stability and create a solid foundation for their successful reintegration.  This can be extremely beneficial for the very recently released that have no money and no place to stay.  There are several resources available throughout multiple local ministries and some government options as well. 

Our program provides members with the necessary tools, education, and support to secure stable employment and achieve financial independence including learning the benefits of saving, long term decision making, basic investing concepts and more.  This, in turn, reduces the likelihood of returning to criminal activities driven by financial struggles. By offering individual education, career training, job placement services, financial management guidance, and access to community resources, Brand 316 empowers individuals to become self-sufficient, contributing members of society. Through these efforts, we aim to break the cycle of recidivism and provide individuals with the opportunity for a brighter and more prosperous future. 

Psychological reintegration is a crucial aspect of supporting the recently released as they transition back into society. The impact of incarceration on a person's mental well-being cannot be overlooked. Many individuals who have experienced incarceration face a wide range of mental health challenges stemming from their time in prison, including trauma, anxiety, depression, trust issues, and substance abuse problems. These issues are a natural consequence of the prison environment, where individuals often struggle to feel physically and mentally comfortable due to the constant stress, lack of privacy, constant drama, degrading treatment and exposure to violence.

At Brand 316, we recognize the importance of addressing and managing these mental health challenges to facilitate successful reintegration. Our program is designed to provide comprehensive support and resources to individuals who have been formerly incarcerated. One of the key components of our 52-week program is offering access to one-on-one counseling and group counseling sessions. These counseling services are specifically tailored to the needs of our members and provide a safe and supportive environment for them to express their emotions, share their experiences, and receive guidance.

Through open communication and a focus on addressing the issues that may hinder reintegration, we aim to promote psychological healing and growth. Our counselors work closely with individuals to help them develop coping mechanisms, manage trauma-related symptoms, rebuild trust, overcome substance abuse problems, and improve their overall mental well-being. By providing this crucial support, we strive to equip our members with the necessary tools to navigate the challenges they may face post-incarceration.

It is important to note that mental health challenges faced by formerly incarcerated individuals can range from complex trauma to more nuanced issues such as low self-esteem, lack of confidence, or difficulty understanding past choices. Our program recognizes the significance of addressing these challenges comprehensively, as they are interconnected with personal, professional, and spiritual aspects of an individual's life. By assisting our members in improving their mental health outcomes, we aim to enhance their overall quality of life and promote their long-term success.

Addressing the mental health needs of the formerly incarcerated, we contribute to reducing recidivism rates. Research consistently demonstrates a strong correlation between untreated mental health issues and a higher likelihood of reoffending. By providing the necessary support and resources, we help individuals break free from this cycle, enabling them to maintain a healthy and balanced life after incarceration.

Psychological reintegration is an essential component of supporting anyone that has served time in prison. By acknowledging and addressing the mental health challenges they face, such as trauma, anxiety, depression, trust issues, and substance abuse problems, we empower individuals to heal, grow, and thrive. Our program's provision of one-on-one counseling, group counseling, and a focus on open communication ensures that individuals receive the support they need to overcome their challenges. By promoting mental well-being, we contribute to long-term personal, professional, and spiritual success while also reducing recidivism rates and helping our members grow stronger in Christ. 

Legal reintegration is a crucial component of our program, aiming to equip members of Brand 316 with the necessary knowledge about their legal rights and responsibilities. By providing comprehensive information and guidance, our 52-week program aims to equip our members with the necessary knowledge and maturity to navigate their legal obligations effectively.  By providing clear and accurate information, we help our members make informed decisions that align with their long-term goals and best interests.

One of the primary benefits of our legal reintegration efforts is to educate individuals about their legal obligations, such as probation or parole requirements. Understanding these obligations is vital for individuals to fulfill their responsibilities and comply with the law. By communicating this knowledge, we empower our members to stay on the right path and avoid potential violations that could lead to further legal consequences.

Financial obligations also play a significant role in legal reintegration and many do not understand that those payments (and back payments) are still due after serving your prison sentence.  Many individuals face fines, child support payments, or other financial responsibilities upon their release. Our program ensures that our members are aware of these obligations and understand the importance of meeting them promptly. By doing so, they can avoid additional legal troubles and improve their financial stability, thus increasing their chances of successful reintegration into society.

Additionally, our program emphasizes the importance of following every detail of their probation terms. We recognize that what may seem like common sense to one person may differ for another due to varying life experiences and backgrounds. Through our training, we foster a deep understanding of the significance of respect and appropriate conduct, preparing individuals to handle potential situations that may arise while on probation. By providing practical guidance and situational awareness, we aim to prevent our members from inadvertently violating the law or making impulsive decisions that could jeopardize their progress.

It is essential to acknowledge that individuals who have been incarcerated often face a myriad of legal liabilities and the constant fear of making a wrong choice that could lead them back to prison. Society does not understand how short the leash is for the formerly incarcerated, mistakes are not acceptable in our legal system and one small misstep can result in additional jail time.  Our program's overarching goal is to provide them with a better understanding of the expectations placed upon them, bolstered by self-awareness and a solid biblical foundation. By equipping them with the necessary legal knowledge, we empower individuals to make informed decisions, exercise good judgment, and steer clear of actions that could jeopardize their progress towards a successful and law-abiding life.

Brand 316 helps prevent inadvertent law violations through knowledge and education, mitigates the risk of poor decision-making, and reduces the likelihood of facing further legal consequences. By providing legal education, we strive to equip our members with the tools they need to rebuild their lives and make positive contributions to their communities. 

Reintegration after incarceration poses various practical challenges for the recently released and addressing these challenges is crucial for a successful transition. One aspect of our program is to assist our members in overcoming these barriers and reducing obstacles that they may encounter upon reentry. This includes assistance with finding housing options, securing reliable transportation including understanding public transportation (if any) and accessing essential services such as healthcare, identification documents, and social support programs. By focusing on these seemingly small tasks as early on as possible the higher the chance that members of Brand 316 will not face as many obstacles.  Our 52-week training program is focused on educating our members and training them for success outside of prison and an important part of that is reducing the barriers for them, enabling them to focus on their personal growth, stability, faith in Christ and successful reintegration.

There are several practical barriers most that have not served time would not understand.  Something as simple as setting up a bank account is a difficult task because you need certain documentation to do that which makes sense.  However, most of the recently released only have their prison identification which means they have to get their social security card, which can take weeks or months.  Most employers will not hire someone without a social security card which delays employment by weeks.  Typically, they will also need to get their original birth certificate as well, which expedited costs money which they need for housing or food.  A driver’s license can be restricted because of their crime or they simply cannot get it because they don’t have two pieces of mail with their address listed on it or a birth certificate.  There are countless scenarios that the formerly incarcerated have to face and we have tried to document and make the process as simple as possible.  Members of Brand 316 are encouraged to get their social security card while still incarcerated so they are able to leave prison (prisons do allow this) with that.  We also encourage them to attempt to get the birth certificate as soon as possible and provide the documentation and forms needed to do so. 

The process of reintegration after incarceration presents a multitude of practical challenges for the recently released. At Brand 316, we understand the significance of addressing these barriers to ensure a successful transition into society. By offering comprehensive assistance in areas such as housing, transportation, essential services and personal development, we strive to reduce obstacles and empower our members to achieve their full potential. We recognize the intricate and frustrating nature of tasks as seemingly small as setting up a bank account, obtaining identification documents, and securing a driver's license, which can have far-reaching implications for employment and overall stability. Through our 52-week training program, we are dedicated to educating our members and equipping them with the tools they need to thrive outside of prison. Our commitment to simplifying and streamlining these processes underscores our dedication to supporting the formerly incarcerated on their journey toward a brighter future.