Award Information
Description of original award (Fiscal Year 2010, $500,000)
The Congressionally Recommended Awards Program, authorized by the Department of Justice Appropriations Act, 2010 (Pub. L. 111-117), helps improve the functioning of the criminal justice system, prevent or combat juvenile delinquency, and/or assist victims of crime (other than compensation). Funds should be used for the projects recommended by Congress, in the amounts specified in the joint explanatory statement incorporated by reference into Pub. L. 111-117, and generally consistent with one or more of the following statutory purposes: improving the functioning of the criminal justice system, preventing or combating juvenile delinquency, or assisting victims of crime (other than compensation). Each of these purposes is framed using language drawn, respectively, from the former Byrne discretionary statute, the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act, the Victims of Crime Act, and the Violence Against Women Act. This project is authorized and funded through a line item in the FY 2010 Congressional Budget and by the joint explanatory statement that is incorporated by reference into the FY2010 Department of Justice Appropriations Act.
Baltimore City urgently needs to expand its ability to meet the employment and housing needs of nearly 10,000 men a year as they leave prison and return to their local communities. Jericho's reentry work focuses on work readiness, transitional housing and related supportive services as strategies to employ men and reduce recidivism. Best practices indicate the vital link between housing, jobs and successful reentry. Jericho is a model of success and has established a strong track record in serving male ex-offenders annually for the past five years through grants from the U.S. Department of Labor and private foundations. As a result, Jericho's recidivism rate is 13% and its employment rate is 68%. Jericho has established MOUs with housing providers for men who do not have a safe and / or affordable place to live upon leaving prison.
The Episcopal Community Services of Maryland will use their FY 10 Congressionally Selected Award to expand Jericho's ability to create housing and employment opportunities for Jericho participants. They seek to expand staffing to address the current administration and quality control management of complex funding streams. These funding sources provide the housing and employment readiness and job placement funds for our participants. These funds provide the foundation for program expansion. They also seek to develop and implement plans to expand their housing and employment options. A plan will be developed to create their own transitional housing and social enterprise business(es) that will train and employ Jericho participants.
NCA/NCF