Ready, Willing & Able Work and Training Program for Formerly Incarcerated Persons

The Edward Byrne Memorial Discretionary Grants Program (Byrne Discretionary Program) helps local communities improve the capacity of local justice systems and provides for national support efforts. This project is authorized and funded through a line item in the FY 08 Congressional Budget. Funds should be used for purposes recommended by Congress.

The Doe Fund will support the Ready, Willing & Able (RWA) program in an effort to reduce recidivism among the formerly incarcerated by increasing their employment retention rates. Studies have shown one of the main factors of criminal recidivism is the lack of employment. Through RWA, participants are placed in paid work assignments that develop solid work habits, work histories, and marketable skills. The program also provides support services that includes case management, substance abuse relapse prevention and drug testing, education, vocational training, job readiness and placement, financial management, and housing placement to ensure participants make a lasting transition to self-sufficiency and a crime free life. Discussions with the targeted population will begin within six weeks of release from the Queensboro State Correctional Facility, or if the individual is already on parole. Those who choose to enter RWA, sign contracts agreeing to comply with the terms and conditions of the program and upon their release are taken directly to the program residence where a case manager conducts a comprehensive assessment. Participant status and progress towards achieving their goals are tracked and reviewed in order to create tighter links between program outcomes, enhancements, and staff accountability.

NCA/NCF