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Model Program — Boaz and Ruth Employment

Page history last edited by Robert Hackett 10 years ago
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          Note: please note that this profile of a policy option or program model should (a) link back to the issue overview on this topic, (b) be focused either the local, state, national, or global level, and (c) be neutrally presented, based on facts, and include footnotes for each of the items.  See the Research Guide and Information Sources to assist you.

 

This policy option or model program profile relates to the following issue overview(s):

 

Summary    one paragraph description 


     Boaz and Ruth is an organization that realizes long term individual change is hard to come by without changing the community as well. Boaz and Ruth is a unique organization that integrates ex-offenders back into the community, providing the opportunity for safe housing, decent employment, and healthy relationships. The Boaz and Ruth approach is mentoring that rebuilds, strengthens and empowers individuals to succeed far beyond their transitional jobs and training programs. The key component to Boaz and Ruth is collaborative partnerships with highly respected groups-such as faith-based, academics and government agencies.

The support that B&R receives from diverse community groups helps to break down community barriers and shine light on the successes of ex-offenders as respected members of the community beyond the label.

"We chose our name to remind us of this transforming power of human relationships. The name derives from the scripture story of Boaz, a prominent and affluent Israelite living in 400 BC, who shared his excess food and wealth with Ruth a poor stranger from the distant land of Moab who needed it for herself and her mother-in-law, Naomi. Eventually Ruth and Boaz married, becoming the great grandparents of King David and the ancestors of Jesus. Together Boaz and Ruth impacts the future of society by serving, nurturing, and inspiring struggling citizens to make a change in their life and follow through with it for long-term success. 

Within the Richmond community, the disparity between the “haves” and the “have-nots” has increased especially during the most prosperous economic times  in US history, exacerbating a cultural division rooted in racial tension and distrust". [1] Richmond has great diversity but also a great divide which organizations such as Boaz & Ruth work extremely hard to bridge community gaps through reintegration, rehabilitation, and supportive life skills services. 

 

Model Reentry Partnership  taken from When Prisoners Come Home 

By: Joan Petersilia

Used by Boaz and Ruth Organization-Richmond, VA. 

 

 

Goal    short description of the policy or program goal  


 The organization's programs are focused around full reintegration of ex-offenders back into the community through individual mentoring and frequent opportunities to tell their stories as mechanism to combat re-offending and increase self confidence. The goal of Boaz and Ruth can be defined by three key strategies:

 

  • To Rebuild lives of formerly incarcerated men and women through transitional jobs and training programs.  
  • To Empower the physically blighted commercial corridor of Highland Park by restoring buildings, incubating and operating businesses, and providing jobs. 
  • To Connect  the Highland Park community  and  program participants to the wider Richmond community through activities that bridge racial, economic, and geographic barriers.

 

Comprehensive re-entry training for released prisoners pursues the ultimate purpose of personal empowerment not merely provision of services. The overarching goal is that persons completing the program will no longer look to society to support them but will look to themselves to support society.[2]

 

 

 

Cost    total policy or program cost; also include per person cost if available 


 

  • One of Boaz & Ruth's most important partnerships is with AmeriCorps, a national service program that provides funding to organizations to meet critical community needs. The Boaz & Ruth partnership with AmeriCorps was established at the state level in 2006 and has continued to grow ever since. Boaz & Ruth AmeriCorps funding members receive funding towards revitalizing the Highland Park neighborhood through renovations, reenergizing the once-thriving commercial district and creating employment opportunities for ex-offenders.[3]

 

  • The estimated program cost per participant is $22,00/year.  The cost of the program includes a variety of services such as: 
    • 10 Hours a week of classes in the following five training areas: Emotional/Relational Competence, Workplace Readiness; Life Skills, Recovery and Leadership.
    • 2-3 Hours per week of one-on-one counseling, life coaching and mentoring as part of creating a Personal Development Plan (PDP).
    • 25 Hours per week of transitional employment in the "Life Laboratory" work experiences of B&R's entrepreneurial business ventures: Construction, Food Service, Furniture & Clothing Retail, Moving Services, and Furniture Restoration & Repair.
    • 4-5 hours per month (average) planning and implementing Connecting Across Richmond events.

 

  • Annual Report 2009-to be released.   

 

  •  Statement of Operations 2008 (taken from Annual Report):
    •  
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Implementation    describe how the policy or program is implemented (esp. who, how) 


  • Boaz & Ruth is and beyond – in its comprehensive approach to the systemic problems of homelessness, joblessness and poverty that afflict both released prisoners and the communities to which they return. Our re-entry training for released prisoners pursues the ultimate purpose of personal empowerment, not merely provision of services. The overarching goal is that persons completing the program will no longer look to society to support them but will look to themselves to support society. The program is comprehensive not only in its broad continuum of critical services, but also in its emphasis on establishing healthy, mutually respectful relationships among family, peers, supervisors and the community at large. Joan Petersilia, a professor of criminology at the University of California, identifies the importance of this emphasis in her book, When Prisoners Come Home: Parole and Prisoner Reentry.
  • At Boaz & Ruth, assisted by counselors and mentors, ex-offenders rebuild their lives primarily through relationships, beginning with a renewed respect for themselves and their own intrinsic value. Throughout the intensive twelve-month training period, B&R staff and mentors encourage, challenge and applaud the perseverance of individuals determined to do the right thing.
  • B&R’s comprehensive approach to sustainable change requires trainees to participate in classes, counseling, on-the-job training and community involvement for an average of 50 hours per week. Most importantly, the circle of positive, supportive relationships at Boaz & Ruth becomes a family in which trainees practice the emotional and life skills they are learning.[4]The needs of these individuals reflect – and in many cases stem from – the needs of the communities in which they live. Boaz & Ruth is located within the heart of the North District, an area representing 9% of Richmond’s population, but containing 20% of the poverty and 25% of the crime city-wide. In the 1960's, White Flight left 65% of the homes in Highland Park vacant, resulting in the eventual demise of a once-thriving business area. Our location in Richmond's North District is strategic. According to 2002 census data, three of the seven census tracts with the highest number of released prisoners in Richmond are in the North District (within a one-mile radius of B&R) and three of the remaining four tracts are adjacent (within two miles).[5]
  • The organizations community revitalization strategies are powered by their own social entrepreneurial business venture which began from Martha Rollins, CEO/Found, used furniture store in Highland Park. Program participants now work at one of the eight ventures known as "life labs" as part of the job training program. During the intake/interview process potential participants are asked what skills interest them and what type of employment out of the eight ventures would fit thier goals based. Each participant is assigned employment position in one of the life labs for a portion of the program where they are expected to learn new skills, professional behavior, and the responsibility of maintaining a job. All of the life labs combine physical labor, office skills, and the opportunity to work in teams whether delivering furniture or painting one of the B&R resident homes. Their progress at the life lab-employment centers is factored into their Personal Development Plans (POD) which are evaluated in a one-on-one interview every three months. 
  • Once cycled through the different portions of the 12 month program, in the last three months are dismissed from the life labs and expected to begin the search for employment outside of B&R programming. Only a few program graduates are hired to work at the life labs as managers or head staff who oversee the stores operations and assist in training the participants who cycle through. Often times participants who show successful, reliable, and growth in job skills throughout their work at the life labs are provided with further employment opportunity from community supporters affiliated with the B&R network. For the 2008 annual report showed that in addition to 65 full-time program participants, almost 200 ex-offenders were employed in B&R's partnership with the City of Richmond's Department of Public Works. [6] In addition to supportive-hands on opportunity, working in the  life labs  addresses any needs the participants have before applying into the actual job force. This is done so that participants do not rely on working in transitional jobs but still have the support of the program to assist, prepare and motivate their employment opportunities. The Boaz and Ruth transitional employment centers are:  

 

  • Program Strategies for Mentoring Ex-Offenders: Boaz and Ruth's approach on mentoring ex-offenders consists of programming which bridges barriers between race, economic class and geographic sections. By mentoring ex-offenders through cross-cultural connections they are provided with adequate resources such as netwoking skills, exposure to the job force with support, and social opportunites needed  to feel included, respected, and supported within the community. The organization seeks to restore rights of those who have been broken down by a history of crime, drug addiction, and poverty. Boaz and Ruth carefully chooses program participants on the basis of a series of interviews conducted with a program staff and often times the applicant's probation officer. Once enrolled participants are given the opportunity to rebuild their character by channeling their past as a motivation for better future. There are particular features of the program that allow participants to learn positive ways to transition their experience into empowering hope through: 
    • Employee Showcasing: There are a series of awards, certificates, and recognition given to participants who accomplish goals set out in their milestone reports (Personal Development Plans) throughout the program. Milestones consist of fulfilling a need or acquiring something which was lost during incarceration, such as a drivers license or family contact. The support of the program is focused highly on getting participants to stick with thier set out milestones as most of these are crucial to thier overal transitaion process.  Boaz and Ruth contributes great effort to marketing their transitional job centers (life labs) by creating unique themes, such as the Fire House Restaurant, which sometimes host free luncheons with community partners and organizations to provide the opportunity to view their programs and the reintegration progress of their participants. The goal is to socialize their participants to fit in with the community and not work against the professional barriers  that will set them apart in the job world because of their past history of trauma. 
    • Community Networking and Events: B&R provides many opportunities for their participants to get out into the community and tell their story or network with organizations who support Boaz and Ruth. The events seek to break cultural, racial, and community barriers throughout the Richmond community and connect program participants with neighbors. Each year there is a walk titled, "The Long Walk to Freedom", which gathers local and state correctional and law enforcement officials with formally incarcerated men and women who walk from the Richmond City Jail to raise awareness of the challenges facing released prisoners and to raise funds for the programs that are providing solutions. 
    • Team Approach: participants cycle through the programs together, as one class, usually between 7-10 individuals with largest class being 15. Though there is a series of mentoring, personal development models (created by the staff and directors), and different transitional employments that participants move transition through together as one graduating class. There are a series of meetings, group discussions, and presentations given by teachers, public speakers, and program staff where the classes are challenged together to think critically, support each other and overcome barriers as a a professional team. The weekly meetings take place in Boaz and Ruth's center and vary in topics every week. Sometimes there are participants (graduates/current) who present their stories, milestone accomplishment, or lead a group discussion on a topic pertaining to the program. The group discussions also consist of guest speakers and volunteers who educate through the Boaz & Ruth mission successful strategies for success. Different staff and community partners are also invited to sit in the weekly meetings or teach a topic pertaining to what they do, such as classes on financial stability, housing, or new legislation (state/national) that may provide opportunity to the participants (such as the Second Chance Expungement Act). 
    • Speaking Opportunities: B&R holds weekly discussions  lead by one of the classmates where community members and outside volunteers are welcome to sit in while classmates tells their stories and discuss their experiences with the system.  This motivates participants to channel their negative experiences, whether drug addiction, poverty, or prison, into a positive motivator for their future.  

 

  • The Mentoring programs at Boaz and Ruth are "strength-based" with development plans. Their curriculum  is focused on developing the individuals best assets through self reflection, mentoring and relationship management. Upon enrollment in the program each participant is required to complete a Personal Development Plan, where they must identify their individual goals to meet throughout the program until graduation (period of 12 months). Therefore every three months, participants individual development plans are assessed before moving on to the next portion of the program. The plan is to create a series of goals and align the critical steps to take in order to conquer each, or most, of the goals within a 12 month period. Since the B&R program lasts one year,  participants may begin by setting very high goals and create the smaller objectives that have to be accomplished first. After the the first three months, participants are linked with a community member who can coach participants and  add the extra motivation to reaching goals through mentoring and one-on-one contact. 

  

  • Description of B&R Coaches: Are individuals who are affiliated with Boaz & ruth whether as an ongoing volunteer or a community partner. They are asked to come in and provide one-on-one services to program participants throughout the 12 month period. Boaz & Ruth reaches out to series of partners located throughout the greater Richmond area who volunteer as coaches (mentors) to program participants. Community partners of Boaz & Ruth often help participants with their Personal Develop Plans (POD's) and job preparation. 

 

    • ROLE DESCRIPTION: Coaches support the development of planning skills, personal responsibility and self efficacy within the context of a developing, trusting relationship.
    • Outcomes:  
               1) Participant learns to set long term goals, identify appropriate short term goals,
                    identify steps that can be addressed on a weekly basis.
               2)  Participant addresses concrete life issues that empower him/her to establish a stable,
                         sustainable life outside of B&R.
               3)  Participant develops personal responsibility and self-efficacy.
               4)  Participant develops trusting relationship with individual outside B&R.

 

  •  Format: Face-to-face meetings for at least the first 4 meetings; location: at B&R. After 4 meetings: Telephone sessions can alternate with face-to-face ones, if necessary; off-site meetings for ”After 5” sessions available here if desired. 

 

  • Confidentiality:  Discussions are confidential except for: drug or alcohol relapse, criminal activity or suicidal risk

 

  • An example of a Personal Development Plan goal would be getting your license back, therefore the following steps would need to be taken:
    • Contact the DMV to learn of any outstanding fee's.
    • Gather identification papers (i.e. social security card, proof of residence, or valid ID) needed for license reissue.  
    • Save money and pay off owed DMV debts.
    • Re-apply or submit updated paper work for license renewal.  
    • More examples of Milestones can be found here : Boaz&RuthMilestones.xls  

 

 

 

Evaluation    summarize any evaluation findings that policy or program effectiveness


  

In 2008, a total of 65 new and continuing participants were served in the full-time training program. Our class of 12 graduates was the largest ever. Several areas of the program have been strengthened this year:

Group Training and Support:

  •  A Curriculum Committee began meeting bi-weekly to plan, review and document activities and progress.

 

  • Weekday core classes were standardized to include a formal work readiness track with a focus on standards of behavior; a recovery track; a family relations track; and continued emotional competency and personal skills tracks.

 

  • Skill-based mini-classes were added– computer skills, reading,vocabulary, writing,taxes and financial literacy.

 

  • An improved attendance tracking system was implemented.

 

  • New standardized drug-free work place policies and testing procedures were implemented for participants and staff. 

 

  •  Life Coaching for Personal Development Plans was increased to bi-weekly sessions with a significant increase in milestones achieved. 280 PDP sessions were provided.

 

  • 800 individual counseling sessions were provided.

 

  • A new Plan of Care Team began meeting bi-weekly to focus on needs of individuals

 

  • A new Peer Partners program was established in which seasoned participants welcome, assist and support new clients for their first 60 days at B&R.
  • A new partnership with VIP Care began strengthening our Mentor program.

 

  • In addition to 65 full-time program participants, almost 200 ex-offenders were employed in B&R’s partnership with the City of Richmond’s Department of Public Works.

 

  • Profile of Two Neighborhoods[7]

In addition to 65 full-time program participants, almost 200 ex-offenders were employed in B&R’s partnership with the City of Richmond’s Department of Public Works.

The Boaz & Ruth Connecting Across Richmond Initiative targets our trainees and residents in the primarily black and poor North District and Richmond residents in the primarily white and affluent area called the “West End.” The statistics from the 2000 Census are startling:

                                          West End (96% White)          North District (95% Black)
   H.S. Diploma                                 97%                                         <60%
   B.A.                                              39%                                             8.3%
   Graduate degree                             30%                                             3.7%
   Median income (low)                  $141,800                                        $33,336
   Value of home                      67% >$250,000                              88% <$99,999

 

 

Status    indicate whether this policy or program has been adopted in more locations or remains a proposal 


  • Boaz and Ruth's programs currently operate out of its original Highland Park-greater Richmond community. Their programs have been modeled and recognized throughout the non-profits network in  the country but B&R  continues to focus on revitalization of the gaps between the North and West ends of Richmond, Virginia. Throughout Richmond and surrounding Virginia counties, Boaz & Ruth is known as a highly credited organization. Such universites such as the University of Richmond and Davidson College in North Carolina have established ongoing connections with Boaz & Ruth whether through Habitate home building projects of ongoing volunterring. 
  • The University of Richmond has worked with Boaz & Ruth for over ten years through campus program such as Build It and the Bonner Scholars program which has created a variety of volunteer/ intern opportunities with the organization. The university programs allow students to get involved in adult mentoring and coaching, administrative support, assistance in one of the organization's businesses (such as the thrift clothing store or the construction company), and assistance at special events. 

 

Evidence of Successful Outcomes (2008)

 

  • In 2008, majority of program participants (65 total) demonstrated improved rational and emotional competencies and celebrated the following milestones: 
    • 46 Obtained stable housing (11 in B&R properties)
    • 15 opened checking and/or savings accounts
    • 10 reconnected with estranged family members
    • 10 obtained a drivers license 
    •  8 were able to purchase a car
    • 7 enrolled in hight education programs
    • 5 settled fines and/or legal issues
    • 4 participants served in 2008 were reincarceraed.  

 

Point of View    quotations from those in support or opposition to this policy or program 


 

Boaz & Ruth Graduates, Supporters, and Volunteers   


  • "We are grateful for your giving spirit. It is friends like you who provide the sealing glue that holds this vessel together. For this is a transitional program and there is truly no wind to carry us forward without your
    gifts.” William McCray, program participant

 

  •  “I am so grateful for the people of Boaz & Ruth. Everybody comes through here, from the person with extreme challenges to the Governor. And somewhere magic happens. You learn to be happy when magic happens in another person’s life. You see another person’s miracle happen and you say to yourself, maybe one day, something good will happen to me. Then one day you wake up and you are a different person, you have broken free from the shackles, your mind is a little clearer, you can see the light at the end of the tunnel. And you know you are helping to create the path for those that are coming behind you. I wish everyone could have this.” Stephen Jenkins, past program participant, current full-time live-in caregiver and part- time interviewer at VCU.

 

  • My challenge was with my family . . . Once they saw me change,they started changing. I don't know where I would be today without Boaz & Ruth.”- Darlene Bell, Graduate 

 

  • "The faith-based mission of B&R moves me deeply, because an underlying message of "HOPE" is provided to individuals in desperate need of a second chance. Participants are offered an opportunity to receive a "hand up", NOT a "hand out". This is an amazing opportunity for everyone to make the world a better place. The "upside" of this investment is too big to ignore."-Joe Bartholomew, Board Member and Team Captain in the Annual Giving Campaign.

 

  • "Boaz & Ruth restores lives as well as building, with the hope that "individuals will no longer look to society to support themselves but look to themselves to support society". It is also the organizations goal to connect Highland Park to the wider community though activities that bridge racial, economic, and geographical barriers."- Corrie Mixon, B&R AmeriCorps Volunteer & University of Richmond Bonner Graduate.

 

  • “This is the best program of its kind in the country, maybe the world. I had nothing when I came out. Boaz and Ruth gave me a real chance, a place to live, some educa- tion and a position. I have committed to being an asset, not a liability at work and in the community.” -Roger Whitney, program graduate now employed full time with Elder Homes and GTT Enterprises.

 

  • “Boaz and Ruth is a miracle. The changes in the lives of participants are inspirational. God is at work heal- ing the people and the community, turning destructive into positive, despair into hope. You feel the warmth and love all of the people involved. It does not matter your background or your past, at Boaz and Ruth, people get another chance, the way God meant it to be.” -Corell Halsey Moore, Board Member and Volunteer Chairwoman for the 2009 Annual Giving Campaign

 

 

 

 

 

Contact     contact information for sponsor of this policy or program 


Address: Boaz and Ruth, Inc.

3030 Meadowbridge Road
P. O. Box 6129
Richmond, Virginia 23222
p: 804 329-4900
info@boazandruth.com

 


 

 

Bibliography    link to any additional readings or websites related to this policy or program 


  • Virginia Department of Social Services: Prison Reentry Resources
  • Megan Rollins Interview, Volunteer & Community Connections Coordinator 

 

Footnotes

  1. http://www.boazandruth.com/index.cfm/topic/connection
  2. http://www.boazandruth.com/index.cfm/topic/needs
  3. http://www.boazandruth.com/index.cfm/topic/americorps
  4. http://www.boazandruth.com/index.cfm/topic/needs
  5. http://www.boazandruth.com/index.cfm/topic/needs
  6. http://www.boazandruth.com/documents/2008_annual_report.pdf
  7. http://www.boazandruth.com/index.cfm/topic/statistics

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