Breaking the Cycle: Empowering Ex-Offenders to Build Sustainable Futures
The 100 Successful Ex-Offender Seminar and Workshop unites former offenders with newly released individuals and community partners to provide the guidance and resources necessary for successful reintegration. Discover how this program is leading the way in reducing recidivism and fostering positive change.
This Opportunity is Open to Motivated Individuals Who Want to Make a Difference!
100 Successful Ex-Offender Seminar and Workshop
A Breakthrough Seminar to Empower Reentry Success
The 100 Successful Ex-Offender Seminar and Workshop was designed to unite formerly incarcerated individuals who have rebuilt their lives with those newly released and beginning their journey. Supported by employers, family members, and community agencies, the program offers vital instruction, resources, and mentoring to foster lasting change.
The Challenge: Recidivism and Struggling Transitions
In Essex County, NJ alone, approximately 2,000 former offenders are released annually—about 166 each month. Sadly:
One-third do not survive beyond six months post-release.
Two-thirds relapse into recidivism or worse within two years.
In Essex County, NJ alone, approximately 2,000 former offenders are released annually—about 166 each month. Sadly:
This urgent reality highlighted the need for targeted intervention.
Screening, Mentoring, and Empowerment
PSD’s seminar acts as a crash course and screening mechanism to identify individuals ready to commit to a self-help path. This program represents the middle phase of a three-step success process:
Self-awareness
Taking initiative through mentoring and training
Achieving self-sustenance
Its ultimate goal is to equip participants with the mindset and skills necessary for survival and success beyond incarceration.
From Pilot to Proven Success
The initial six-month pilot (April–October 2007) demonstrated significant benefits, revealing the need for extended life skills and mentorship programs to prepare former offenders mentally and emotionally for freedom’s challenges.
Attendance & Requests for Services:
April: 55 attendees, 25 requested services
May: 65 attendees, 44 requested services
June: 70 attendees, 48 requested services
July: 40 attendees, 13 requested services
August: 13 attendees, 7 requested services
October: 42 attendees, 19 requested services
Expanding Reach and Sustaining Impact
Following the seminar, PSD launched a 12-week Life Skills/Mentorship Training Program, showing:
Initial enrollment of 72 with a 50% completion rate.
Graduates included both former offenders and community members.
By 2009, enrollment had expanded to 241 with 100 graduates.
PSD proudly achieved a 0% recidivism rate among fraternity members and graduates.
Commitment and Growth
The seminar and early graduations were fully funded by PSD’s board and members.
Program expansion reached 12 sites, including out-of-state locations and correctional hubs.
Over 400 registration requests were received before the second Life Skills class.
The budget for the second graduating class was approximately $100,000.
Prodigal Sons and Daughters (PSD) empowers individuals through comprehensive support services, guiding formerly incarcerated men and women toward successful reentry and a brighter future. Join us in making a lasting impact through donations, volunteering, or partnership.
Office Hours
Monday – Friday: 9 AM – 6 PM EST
Saturday – Sunday: Closed
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