New Beginnings Program

The Congressionally Selected Awards Program, authorized by the Omnibus Appropriations Act, 2009 (Pub. L. 111-8), 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 selected by Congress, in the amounts specified in the joint explanatory statement incorporated by reference into Pub. L. 111-8, 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 09 Congressional Budget and by the joint explanatory statement that is incorporated by reference into the FY09 Omnibus Appropriations Act.

My Brother's Keeper of Genesee County will use the grant for their New Beginnings Transitional Program. The program will offer residential, recovery, and rehabilitative services to men being released from prison to community-based parole supervision. The program will operate on a 26-week schedule and can accommodate 10 participants during this period. The goals of the program are to increase participants' job readiness, basic life skills, and personal goal setting skills. The program's curriculum is based on "A New Direction" published by the Hazelden Foundation. New Beginnings will work in collaboration with the Flint Parole Office and the Michigan Prisoner Reentry Initiative to identify appropriate candidates for program participation. Training on program planning and evaluation will be provided to staff to enhance their skills.

NCA/NCF