Real Freedom aims to reduce the recidivism rates in the communities they encounter and further support formerly incarcerated individuals. Recidivism is the chance or likelihood of someone to reoffend and having limited resources increases the chances of this impacting communities and future generations negatively. Many incarcerated adults are also parents and their incarceration has a dramatic effect on their children they are separated from. Parents who are incarcerated put their children at risk of being incarcerated, so recidivism and being incarcerated in general has a negative impact on the youth in the communities.

Similar to other non-profit organizations that focus on Re-Entry, not only do we seek to provide affordable housing, we seek to provide other resources. A majority of adults that are incarcerated have poor literacy levels, so once they leave the prison system we want to make sure they are provided education in different forms that will help them with their futures. In addition, many formerly incarcerated individuals were non violent offenders who have mental health and drug abuse issues. When they come back to their communities we try to support them with mental health programs that will help treat their problems incarceration did not fix. Drug abuse and mental health issues can be a roadblock to their success and we seek to help them eliminate this road block.

We also aim to provide financial literacy and business opportunities to the adults as a part of the Re-Entry program. Because of court fees, poverty before entering the system, and bail they might have to deal with after leaving the incarceration, many of these adults are in a bad financial situation and find it difficult to find financial stability. By providing guidance to rebuild their financial stability, we greatly impact the stability of the communities as well. Real Freedom’s mission is not only to provide affordable housing, but also a sustainable life for marginalized individuals.

Example Inmate Letter:    REAL FREEDOM INMATE LETTER