Expanding pre- and post-release reentry programming and capacity within McDowell and Yancey Counties

Proposal Abstract  

Freedom Life Ministries (FLM), in collaboration with the North Carolina Department of Public Safety, McDowell County Government, McDowell County Detention Center, Yancey County Government, and Yancey County Detention Center, is requesting $750,000 to expand evidence-based pre-and post- reentry services to justice impacted individuals in McDowell and Yancey Counties, North Carolina.  

The proposed project will build on the success of the McDowell County Second Chance Act Community Based Reentry Program by meeting the following goals: (1) Accomplishing all grant award pre-program implementation objectives (2) expanding the pre-and post-release reentry programming and capacity within McDowell County, (3) expanding pre-and post-release reentry programming and capacity development into Yancey County, (4) implementing intentional, culturally responsive, programming to promote racial equity and contribute to greater access to services for historically underserved, marginalized communities and (5) conducting a comprehensive program evaluation.  

The project will serve a minimum of 137 pre-release and 250 post-release justice impacted individuals that are currently incarcerated or have been released back into the community within the 9-month to 1-year probation period, generally assigned to NCPDS for individuals reintegrating into the community. Key pre-release services include ORAS assessment, cognitive-behavioral intervention instruction (CBI), access to support groups, mentoring, post-release planning, and faith-based services. Upon release from incarceration, clients receive tiered services, including g case management, basic needs support, employment and/or education connections, transportation assistance, health services and coverage, substance misuse programming, family counseling, legal assistance, and spiritual support (for individuals who desire it). Additionally, a special emphasis has been placed on the training and continuous development of clients, staff, volunteers, and partners to promote sustainability.  

Freedom Life is seeking priority consideration under EO 13985, Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government (pg.3) and both Program-Specific Priority Considerations 2A (pg.5) and 2B (pg. 6).