The Education and Employment Ministry, Inc.

PROJECT PURPOSE

This project will train and mobilize Oklahomans who have been impacted by the criminal legal system by integrating them back into the workforce following the devastating COVID-19 employment crisis. This population was hit especially hard by the pandemic and are eager to get back to work. Dedicated programming through ARPA funding ensures that they have access to job training, education, and resources necessary to pursue their employment goals and contribute to the economy. With ARPA funding, TEEM intends to provide specialized, hands-on training in high-demand job fields such as culinary arts, hospitality, construction, CDL truck driving, HVAC, information technology, and other second-chance friendly industries. These services with be available for reentering Oklahomans from the Oklahoma Department of Corrections and to those enrolled in a diversion program such as drug court or Oklahoma County Community Sentencing. In addition, participants will work alongside a case manager and legal aid attorneys to help connect them to needed resources and build a plan for the future. TEEM programming consistently lowers recidivism risk for its participants, and is designed to break cycles of incarceration and poverty through education, employment, and personal development.

EVIDENCE

TEEM recidivism rate is consistently around 10%, compared to 26% at the state level and 43% at the national level (Tulsa World). Multiple studies have shown the positive correlation between employment and post-release success (Van der Geest 2011, Skardhamar & Telle 2012, Uggen 1999, etc.), though in practice many of those returning to society lack the required job skills, education, or support needed to access stable, meaningful employment. To address this, TEEM utilizes a pre-release employment training model coupled with wraparound case management services in the community, which is considered a best practice (Bureau of Justice Assistance) contributing to low recidivism rates for TEEM participants.

POPULATION DESCRIPTION

TEEM participants are all classified low-income with approximately 35% additionally battling homelessness. All participants have been impacted by the criminal legal system, and due to their background already face difficulty finding employment despite the COVID-19 pandemic. Many second-chance employers were among the hardest hit industries, including culinary arts, construction and hospitality, meaning that TEEM participants were among the first to lose their jobs during the pandemic shutdowns. Unemployment rates doubled for TEEM participants over a 30-day timespan, the largest unemployment crisis in organization history, as those who had fought hard to obtain their employment and better their lives were suddenly forced to start over once again. Lack of income due to unemployment creates new and substantial barriers in other areas, including continued obligations to pay fines and fees, housing, transportation, childcare, substance use services, food, and more, creating additional obstacles for a population already struggling to get back on their feet. The financial setbacks from the pandemic continue to affect this population and create new barriers to those trying to move forward in life. To fill Oklahoma jobs and bring these employees back to work, TEEM intends to deploy hands-on vocational training in high-demand job fields, coupled with in-depth case management and specialized employment services.

PERFORMANCE MEASURING

TEEM is prepared to fulfill any reporting requirements as needed, including an interim report, project and expenditure report, and a recovery plan performance report. Project performance will be calculated based on overall service numbers, employment rate, training completion rate, and recidivism rate. Case managers collect data related to service numbers, training completion, and recidivism rate (calculated through Oklahoma court network searches). Employment rates will be calculated and reported through employment specialists. All data is reported through the development director.

ONGOING INVESTMENT AMOUNT

$

ONGOING INVESTMENT DESCRIPTION

None

ONGOING INVESTMENT REQUIRED

Able to continue operation without additional funding from the State of Oklahoma