RISE PROGRAM INC.

PROJECT PURPOSE

We are establishing a Cosmetology and Barbering vocational training school in NW OKC that be will primarily serve justice-involved individuals, we will assist with education, licensure, clothing, immediate job placement and other vital re-entry wrap-around services working in a collaborative effort with other second chance agencies with the idea to reduce the recidivism and incarceration rate in Oklahoma

EVIDENCE

Oklahoma is number one world-wide for incarceration and ranked extremely low when it comes to education and high in addiction / drug use. That sentence alone, shines a light on the need for change and reformation. Education instead of incarceration. If individuals have education, they can earn higher wages, they can have a career not just a job, there is dignity and pride when one can accomplish success on their own. This fosters HOPE, when one has hope, addiction numbers are down, incarcerations ae less, no one wants to live without HOPE. Our city need new ideas and innovative thinking to help educate and strengthen our community. If you see a need, you have been called. Families won't be shredded apart and employers will benefit from having hard working employees, and our state will benefit with lower unemployment and incarceration rates meanwhile saving money overall.

POPULATION DESCRIPTION

Justice involved individuals at a pre-sentencing level, previously incarcerated, we will also plan on giving back to the community: back to school haircuts, working with other non-profits like City Center and afterschool program haircuts, our community, battered women shelters, those in need of post release clothing or makeovers, second chance or diversion organizations will benefit by sending their participants to school and drug court participants, as well as other individuals in the community who need hair services and want to support our efforts and students who would like to take refresher hours or makeup classes or continuous education classes. We will be providing services for all people regardless of race or background.

PERFORMANCE MEASURING

State level testing and licensure, tracking the success of justice-involved individuals through required programs (drug court, etc.), through employment /job placement and success in not being sentenced to prison, we are developing a plan to monitor successes for up to 7 years

ONGOING INVESTMENT AMOUNT

$

ONGOING INVESTMENT DESCRIPTION

None

ONGOING INVESTMENT REQUIRED

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