The FreshSTART Program was piloted with 150 incarcerated individuals at Alabama DOC in 2020.
Three years after release, only 9 of the 150 individuals were back in prison.*
Alabama recidivism data taken from https://wisevoter.com/state-rankings/recidivism-rates-by-state. FreshSTART data collected by FreshSTART employees. Compared pilot class rolls to Alabama DOC Online Inmate database on April 1, 2023.
Benefits of Entrepreneurship
for Justice-Involved Individuals
Job Opportunities: Finding traditional employment can be challenging due to the stigma associated with having a criminal record. Starting a business allows justice-involved individuals to create their own job opportunities, reducing their reliance on employers who might be hesitant or refuse to hire them.
Reducing Recidivism: More than 650,000 incarcerated individuals are released from prison every year. Studies have shown that those who are successfully reintegrated into society and find stable employment are less likely to reoffend.
Second Chance: Entrepreneurship provides justice-involved individuals with a second chance to rebuild their lives and create a positive future. They can leverage their skills, experiences, and talents to contribute positively to society and the economy.
Self-Empowerment: Entrepreneurship empowers them to take control of their future. By being their own boss, they can build confidence, self-discipline, and a strong work ethic, which are vital for success in any field.
Flexibility: Starting a business allows them to work on their own terms and accommodate any restrictions they might face due to their criminal history, such as probation requirements.
Inspiration for Others: Justice-involved individuals who become successful entrepreneurs can serve as role models for others facing similar challenges. Their stories can become a source of inspiration and motivation.
